Cheesy Verde Fiesta: Crispy Tortilla Layers Recipe

Absolutely, let’s dive into the world of Chilaquiles verdes, those delightful tortillas layered with green salsa that bring the flavors of Mexico right to your table! 🇲🇽✨

Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe

Overview:

• Name: Tortillas Layered with Green Salsa (Chilaquiles Verdes)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8

Description:

This flavorful dish hails from Las Bellas Artes, a Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Elmhurst, Illinois. With a vibrant green salsa, these chilaquiles can be enjoyed as they are or elevated with the addition of shredded, cooked chicken or adorned with rings of white onion for extra flair.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we embark on this culinary adventure:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salsa Verde:

   • Place the tomatillos and jalapenos in a saucepan with 1 cup of water.
   • Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the tomatillos are soft.
   • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos and jalapenos to a blender.
   • Add 1/2 cup of the cooking water to the blender.
   • Puree the mixture until smooth.
   • Season with salt to taste.

2. Prepare the Tortillas:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the corn tortillas in batches until they are golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
   • Drain the fried tortillas on paper towels to remove excess oil.

3. Layer the Chilaquiles:

   • Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with a bit of oil.
   • Arrange half of the fried tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle half of the Chihuahua cheese over the tortillas.
   • Ladle enough of the salsa verde over the cheese and tortillas to moisten them.
   • Create another layer with the remaining tortillas, salsa verde, and cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection:

   • Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven.
   • Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • The sauce should also have reduced slightly, creating a tantalizing aroma in your kitchen.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once out of the oven, top the chilaquiles with dollops of sour cream for a creamy finish.
   • Garnish with additional toppings if desired, such as sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions:

These Chilaquiles Verdes are a versatile dish perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy family dinners, or any occasion where you want to savor the flavors of Mexico. Serve them alongside refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Notes:

• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought salsa verde instead of making it from scratch.
• Feel free to customize this dish by adding cooked, shredded chicken between the layers for extra protein.
• For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapenos or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa verde.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave, though they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

So there you have it, a tantalizing recipe for Tortillas Layered with Green Salsa (Chilaquiles Verdes) that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico City! 🌮✨ Whether you’re a fan of savory brunch dishes, crave a touch of spice, or simply love indulging in cheesy goodness, these chilaquiles are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine right at home! 🇲🇽🍴