Baked Queso Fresco With Tomatillo Sauce Recipes

MEXICAN MEATBALLS WITH RED CHILE TOMATO SAUCE AND QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• For the red chile tomato sauce: Heat the oil in a 12-inch high-sided saute pan over high heat. Cook the onions and jalapenos until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, and then stir in the chili powder and coriander and cook 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup water and cook until reduced. Mix in the chipotles and tomatoes and bring a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper and honey, if using. Whisk in the crema, followed by the cilantro, and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• For the mexican meatballs: Grind the cubed meats using a hand-operated meat grinder fit with a medium dye. Combine the ground meats with the garlic and egg in a large bowl, and then add in 1/4 cup of the cilantro, the cheese, New Mexico chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin and cayenne pepper. Gently mix together until combined. Begin mixing in the breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together. Mix in some salt and black pepper, and form the meat into 2-inch balls. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and cook until the liquid is mostly reduced and the meatballs are just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes longer. Transfer to a serving platter and top with the Red Chile Tomato Sauce, queso fresco and additional cilantro leaves.

SHREDDED CHICKEN AND TOMATILLO TACOS WITH QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium. Add the blackened tomatillos and serrano to a small saute pan and briefly saute in a little olive oil on the grates of the grill.
• Place the tomatillos, serrano, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Place the tomatillo mixture in a large saute pan and place on the grates of the grill. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the chicken, and heat through.
• Place the tortillas on the grill, and grill for 20 seconds on each side. Spoon the chicken mixture into the tortillas and top with a few tablespoons of queso fresco. Fold the tortillas in half serve immediately.

BAKED QUESO FRESCO WITH TOMATILLO SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
• Remove husks from tomatillos.
• Boil tomatillos for about two minutes or until soft.
• Remove tomatillos from water and place in a blender or food processor.
• Add garlic, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, jalapeño and salt.
• Purée until smooth.
• Place cheese in ovenproof serving dish.
• Pour sauce over cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven and serve with tortilla chips.

MARINATED QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Cut the Queso Fresco into 3/4-1 inch cubes.
• In a large, shallow dish, combine all ingredients except cheese.
• (If you want, you could throw them in the food processor for ease).
• Stir to combine.
• Then add the cheese, toss to coat.
• Let stand at room temp for 2 hours before serving.
• However, this can marinate for up to 3 days in the fridge.

ROASTED TOMATILLO SAUCE

Steps:

• On a non-stick cookie sheet, place the tomatillos, poblano chiles, and onion, and place them under the broiler.
• Broil the vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning them as their skins begin to char.
• The entire process should take around 15 minutes.
• After 12 minutes of broiling time, add the cloves of garlic.
• Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and set aside to cool.
• When the tomatillos and poblano chiles are cool to the touch, remove their skins, stems, and seeds, and discard.
• Remove and discard the onion skin, as well.
• Transfer the tomatillos, poblano chiles, onion, and garlic to a food processor or blender, and pulse a few times to roughly chop the vegetables.
• Add the cilantro, lime juice, and cumin, and continue to pulse to form a chunky puree.
• Add salt to taste and a little unbleached cane sugar, if desired.
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Serves as a sauce for Mexican and Southwestern style dishes, as a sauce for steamed vegetables and grains, or as a dip with raw veggies or tortilla chips.