Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a comforting and flavorful Mexican dish, with crispy fried tortillas soaked in vibrant salsa, topped with fresh garnishes like creamy avocado, crumbled cotija, and bright cilantro. The simplicity of this dish makes it a perfect base for any number of toppings, including fried eggs, beans, or nopalitos, allowing you to customize it to your taste.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a quick weeknight dinner, chilaquiles offer a satisfying meal that can be tailored to fit your cravings. The crispy texture of the tortillas paired with the bold flavors of the salsa creates a delightful balance, making it a staple in Mexican cuisine. Add your favorite garnishes, and you have a dish that’s both delicious and versatile.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

12 corn tortillas (preferably stale)
Corn oil (or other neutral oil for frying)
Kosher salt
1 1/2 to 2 cups red chile sauce or salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
Epazote (optional)
Cotija cheese or queso fresco (for garnish)
Crema Mexicana or crème fraîche (for garnish)
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
1 red onion, chopped (for garnish)
Avocado, sliced or roughly chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large sauté pan, coat the pan generously with corn oil (about 1/8 inch). Heat on medium-high to high.
Once the oil is hot, add tortilla pieces and fry until golden brown. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Clean the pan, then add 2 tablespoons of oil to bring it to high heat. Add salsa (red or green) and cook for a few minutes. If you have epazote, add it to the salsa.
Add the fried tortilla pieces to the salsa, gently tossing until all pieces are well-coated. Let it cook for a few more minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat, and serve with your choice of garnishes: cotija cheese, crema, cilantro, chopped red onion, and avocado. You can also add fried or scrambled eggs, beans, or nopalitos.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 264 | Servings: 4 servings

The History of Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles can be traced back to ancient Mexico, where tortillas were a cornerstone of the diet. Tortillas made from corn were a daily food item, and much like other culinary traditions, nothing went to waste. In the past, stale tortillas that were no longer suitable for serving on their own would be fried and then soaked in a sauce made from various ingredients like chiles, tomatoes, and spices. This not only brought the tortillas back to life but also infused them with rich flavors.

Over time, the dish evolved as different regions of Mexico began to add their own variations, adjusting the types of salsa and toppings used. While chilaquiles were traditionally served with a side of beans, eggs, or nopalitos (cactus), modern versions now incorporate various proteins, cheeses, and even more extravagant toppings like avocado and sour cream. Despite these changes, the core idea of chilaquiles—tortillas cooked in a flavorful sauce—has remained the same.

Key Variations of Chilaquiles

The beauty of chilaquiles lies in its versatility. The dish can be made with either red or green salsa, with each option offering a distinct flavor profile.

Red Salsa Chilaquiles

Red chilaquiles are made using a red salsa, typically created from dried chiles such as ancho or guajillo. This gives the salsa a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy fried tortillas. Red salsa chilaquiles can be made as mild or as spicy as you like, depending on how many chiles are used. For a richer, more complex flavor, some recipes even incorporate a bit of chocolate or cinnamon into the sauce.

Green Salsa Chilaquiles

Green salsa, made from tomatillos and green chiles, provides a tangy, bright flavor that contrasts with the earthiness of the fried tortillas. Salsa verde is typically more acidic than red salsa, which gives it a refreshing quality. The tartness of the tomatillos balances well with the richness of the fried tortillas, and it’s a common favorite for those who prefer a lighter, more herbal taste.

Both red and green chilaquiles are delicious in their own right, and the choice between the two often depends on personal preference or regional influences. Some people even enjoy mixing both types of salsa to create a unique flavor combination.

Toppings and Garnishes

While the base of chilaquiles consists of fried tortillas and salsa, the toppings are what make the dish truly customizable. Traditionally, chilaquiles are served with a variety of garnishes, such as:

Fried or Scrambled Eggs: Eggs are one of the most common additions to chilaquiles. They provide a rich and creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the crispy tortillas and tangy salsa. Fried eggs are typically served sunny-side-up, allowing the yolk to mix with the sauce as you dig in.
Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese, such as cotija or queso fresco, adds a salty, creamy element that balances the heat of the salsa. The cheese melts slightly when it comes into contact with the warm salsa, adding a comforting, velvety texture to each bite.
Beans: Refried beans or whole beans are often served on the side or on top of the chilaquiles. They provide a hearty, filling component that complements the dish’s crispy and saucy textures.
Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado is a common topping for chilaquiles. The smooth, creamy texture of the avocado adds richness and helps cool down any heat from the salsa.
Onions and Cilantro: Freshly chopped onions and cilantro add a burst of freshness and crunch to the dish. They help to balance the richness of the other toppings and add a touch of brightness to the dish.
Sour Cream or Crema Mexicana: A drizzle of sour cream or crema Mexicana brings a creamy, tangy element that complements the heat and richness of the chilaquiles. It also helps to cut through the bold flavors of the salsa.

Regional Variations of Chilaquiles

While chilaquiles are beloved all over Mexico, different regions have developed their own variations of the dish. For example:

Chilaquiles Verdes: In places like Oaxaca, chilaquiles made with salsa verde are particularly popular. The green sauce is often made with roasted tomatillos, garlic, and chiles, giving it a smoky, slightly tart flavor. This variation might also include the use of indigenous ingredients such as epazote, a fragrant herb that adds a unique earthy flavor to the salsa.
Chilaquiles Rojos: In northern Mexico, red chilaquiles are often the preferred choice. The red salsa is typically made with dried chiles like ancho and guajillo, giving it a deep, smoky flavor. Some versions include shredded chicken or beef, adding more protein to the dish.
Chilaquiles with Mole: In some regions, chilaquiles are served with a mole sauce, adding even more depth and complexity to the dish. Mole, a rich sauce made with ingredients like chocolate, chiles, and spices, pairs beautifully with the fried tortillas and transforms the dish into a decadent meal.

Chilaquiles in Modern Times

Chilaquiles have evolved over the years to become a beloved comfort food not only in Mexico but also in other parts of the world. They have made their way onto brunch menus in many international cities, with chefs experimenting with new toppings, salsas, and even international influences. In some variations, chilaquiles are served with pulled pork, shrimp, or even grilled steak, making it a more hearty and filling dish.

Though chilaquiles are often thought of as a breakfast or brunch dish, they can be enjoyed at any time of day. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, but they also make for a satisfying dinner when paired with a light salad or a side of rice.

Serving Tips for Chilaquiles

Serve Immediately: Chilaquiles are best served fresh, as the tortillas can become soggy if they sit in the salsa for too long. Make sure to serve them immediately after cooking, while the tortillas are still crispy and the salsa is hot.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings you use. Chilaquiles can be made to suit any dietary preference, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or looking to add extra protein. Top your chilaquiles with your favorite ingredients to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Pair with a Drink: Chilaquiles are often served with a refreshing drink like agua fresca (a fruit-infused water), horchata (a sweet rice-based beverage), or coffee. These drinks balance the rich flavors of the chilaquiles and help to refresh the palate.

Conclusion

Chilaquiles is a comforting and versatile dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying them with red or green salsa, topped with eggs, cheese, and avocado, or experimenting with different variations, chilaquiles is a dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes. Rooted in history, chilaquiles are a perfect example of how simple ingredients—like tortillas, salsa, and eggs—can come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, chilaquiles remain a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, offering a taste of tradition with every bite.