Chorizo Chilaquiles Recipes

CHILAQUILES WITH CHORIZO

Steps:

• Remove the chorizo from its casing by splitting 1 end and squeezing out the meat. In a large heavy-bottomed high-sided saute pan, fry the chorizo in the oil until it is grainy but still soft, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up the meat and prevent a crust from forming on the bottom of the pan. Set aside and keep hot.
• In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, stir the salsa with a wooden spoon until hot and sputtering. Add half the tortilla chips and stir to coat with the salsa, then cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the tortilla chips, stir to coat with the salsa, and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 to 5 additional minutes. There should be a nice mix of very soft and still slightly crunchy chips when the chiliqueles are finished. Remove from the heat and use a slotted spoon or tongs to heap generous portions into each of 4 bowls. While still piping hot, top with the grated Cheddar and Montery Jack cheeses, chorizo, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of red onion and cilantro. Serve hot with Guacamole on the side.
• In a medium stock pot, place the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and garlic and cover with 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil over high heat and let cook 5 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a blender and puree until smooth with the cilantro and salt. If the salsa is too thick (it should have the consistency of a very thick soup), add a little of the cooking liquid. Check seasoning and add additional salt, if necessary, and pepper, to taste.
• In a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat, bring the oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the chips in small batches until crisp and lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. (They will continue to darken while resting.) With tongs or a metal frying ladle, transfer the chips to a large bowl lined with paper towels. Season with the salt and paprika while still warm. Repeat with the remaining chips. (See Cook's Note)

CHILAQUILES CON CHORIZO

Steps:

• To prepare the sauce, combine tomatillos, chiles, chopped onion, garlic, broth and whipping cream in a medium saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. (In a pinch, I've substituted the whipping cream for equal parts milk and sour cream.) Add cilantro, salt and pepper. Puree in blender. I like mine to have a little bit of texture.
• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cut tortillas into sixths. Add 1/2 inch of oil to skillet over medium heat. Fry tortillas until chewy, but not as crispy as you would for chips. Drain on paper towels.
• Create a layer of tortillas in a shallow baking dish. Top with half the sauce, chorizo, onion and cheese. Add remaining sauce. Bake 20-25 minutes until the dish is gooey. Serve piping hot with crema as garnish.

CHORIZO CHILAQUILES

Steps:

• Heat veggie oil in a saucepan or skillet with high sides.
• Fry tortilla strips in small batches until crispy but not too brown.
• Let strips dry on a paper towel-covered plate.
• Brown chorizo in a frying pan with the chopped pepper, onion and garlic. When cooked through, let chorizo and veggies drain on another paper towel-covered plate.
• Wipe down the frying pan and use it to scramble eggs (adding a little oil or Pam to the pan). When they're almost set, add the chorizo and veggies back in, and mix in the tortilla strips. Add about a cup of salsa/chili until the tortilla chips become less crispy and more chewy.
• When everything is well mixed, it's ready to be served! I add additional salsa/chili on top and garnish with queso fresco and cilantro.