Chilaquiles Verdes

If you've never eaten chilaquiles, then you're in for a treat! They're a traditional Mexican breakfast, but they're so good, I would eat them for lunch, dinner, midnight snack... you get the picture. So what are chilaquiles? They go way back (centuries!) to the early Aztecs and were said to have been brought to America in a cookbook by Encarnación Pinedo, "The Spanish Cook", in 1898. Chilaquiles are strips or pieces of fried corn tortillas, sautéed with green (verde) or red (roja) salsa and topped with cheese. You can add chicken, crema, onion, refried beans...the delicious possibilities are endless. I've eaten them at Mexican restaurants, and I guarantee this recipe rivals those. So let's dig in!

Here's how to make them:

Ingredients

• 20 6" corn tortillas

• 2 cups canola oil (for frying)

• 1/2 yellow or brown onion, chopped

• 5 eggs, slightly beaten

• 1-2 TSP salt, to taste

• 1 (7.5) oz. jar green or red salsa (or make your own!)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup shredded jack cheese (I used a cheddar/jack mix)

• Sliced avocado, for topping

Instructions

1. Cut the tortillas into 3/4"-1" strips (I cut the tortillas in half, then cut the strips)

2. Heat the oil in large heavy pan (I use my cast-iron pan) until 350° F. Use a thermometer to ensure you get the right temp so you don't under or over cook the tortillas.

3. Add the chopped onion and tortilla strips to the hot oil. Fry in two batches (don't overcrowd the pan) until the tortillas are slightly browned and crispy and remove and place on paper towels to drain.

4. Once they're all fried, drain the oil from the pan (I put it in a jar or large container, never put it down your disposal) but leave a small amount in the pan.

5. Put the tortillas back in the pan and add the eggs.

6. Season with salt and use tongs to combine the eggs with the tortillas until the eggs are firm and fully cooked.

7. Add the salsa and water to the pan. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until thickened.

8. Top with cheese and mix with tongs until melted.

9. Serve with avocado, guacamole, crema (sour cream), refried beans or black beans.

10. Enjoy!

Did you make it? Share pics in the comments!