Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish: Easy Chilaquiles! This vibrant, flavorful Mexican comfort food has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I had them—sitting at a sunny café with a friend in the middle of a bustling market in Mexico City. We were enjoying the festive atmosphere, and they brought out a plate of these colorful, steaming chilaquiles. The mix of crispy tortilla chips with spicy salsa, melty cheese, and creamy avocado was pure magic on my taste buds! Ever since then, I’ve been hooked.
What I love about this recipe is how incredibly versatile it is. You can whip it up for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner when you need something comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s done in less than 30 minutes—what’s not to love? Trust me; once you make these Easy Chilaquiles, you’ll be making them week after week!
What’s in Easy Chilaquiles?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
Corn Tortillas: The star of the show! They form the crispy base for the chilaquiles. I usually grab a package of fresh corn tortillas from the store—the fresher, the better!
Red Salsa: This can be store-bought or homemade, depending on how ambitious you’re feeling! It packs a tangy punch and coats the tortillas perfectly. I love a salsa with just the right amount of spice; it should wake your taste buds without overpowering them.
Shredded Cheese: I like a blend of queso fresco or cotija for authenticity, but Monterey Jack gives a lovely meltiness! Either way, cheese is a must here.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a lush element to your chilaquiles. Don’t skimp on this!
Onion: Sliced onion brings a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness. You can choose red or white, whatever you have on hand!
Eggs: I love topping my chilaquiles with perfectly fried or poached eggs. The runny yolk adds a wonderful richness to the dish.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of this on top gives a cool contrast to the spicy salsa, plus it’s just so creamy. You can opt for Greek yogurt if you want a healthier twist!
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying to get those tortillas nice and crispy.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings, but don’t forget them—they make everything taste better!
Fresh Cilantro: Optional, but if you’re a cilantro fan, it adds a lovely fresh touch and brightens up the plate!
Is Easy Chilaquiles Good for You?
Alright, let’s have a candid moment about health—because who doesn’t need a little balance in their life, right? Here’s the scoop on the ingredients:
Corn Tortillas: They’re a great source of carbohydrates, giving you that energy boost for your day. Just keep an eye on portion sizes to avoid excess calories.
Red Salsa: Packed with tomatoes and spices, salsa is mostly low in calories and can even boost your metabolism! Just be cautious with any added sugars in store-bought varieties.
Avocado: This little gem is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. While it’s calorie-dense, those fats are heart-healthy.
Eggs: Full of protein and nutrients, eggs can help keep you full longer. Just remember, moderation is key here; too many can lead to cholesterol concerns for some folks.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein and probiotics, making it a healthier choice if you’re looking to lighten up.
All in all, Easy Chilaquiles can definitely fit into a balanced diet, especially if you keep an eye on portions and ingredients.
Ingredients
– 8 oz (about 5-6) corn tortillas, cut into triangles
– 1 cup red salsa (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as queso fresco, cotija, or Monterey Jack)
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup onion, sliced
– 4 eggs
– 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 2-4 people, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Easy Chilaquiles?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up these bad boys:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot (you’ll know because a small piece of tortilla will sizzle when you drop it in), add the tortilla triangles. Fry them until they are crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. When they’re done, remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
2. In that same skillet (don’t you dare wash it; we want all that cheesy flavor!), pour in the red salsa. Let it come to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Now, toss those crispy tortilla chips back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the salsa. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the chips are slightly softened but still maintain a bit of crunch.
4. While the chilaquiles are cooking, take a second small skillet and fry or poach the eggs to your liking, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
5. To serve, plate those delicious chilaquiles, placing the fried eggs on top. Add dollops of diced avocado, sliced onion, and shredded cheese. Don’t forget that sour cream! Snap on some fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
6. Serve immediately, and prepare for smiles all around!
Delicious Tips for Chilaquiles Lovers
Here are some fun variations and serving suggestions to jazz things up:
– **Bell Peppers**: Dice up some bell peppers and sauté them with the onions for added sweetness and color.
– **Protein Boost**: Add shredded chicken, beans, or chorizo for a heartier dish.
– **Spice it Up**: Love heat? Add some sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes to your salsa.
– **Oven-Baked Version**: For a healthier twist, you can bake the tortilla triangles instead of frying to cut down on the oil.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s the perfect way to start your day or liven up a dinner. Once you mix things up and savor every bite, send me a message and let me know how it turned out. Enjoy the flavorful journey of Easy Chilaquiles!
