Mexicana Meatloaf With Cilantro Pesto And Crispy Tortilla Strips Recipes

BEST DRESSED WATERCRESS WITH CRISPY TORTILLAS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice. Continue to whisk while slowly drizzling in olive oil until all of the oil is incorporated.
• In a medium bowl, combine watercress, orange segments, jicama, red onion and salt. Drizzle in 1/2 cup of the dressing. Toss well to combine. Divide the salad equally between 4 salad plates. Top with Crispy Tortilla strips.
• In a heavy skillet, heat oil to 360 degrees F.
• Cut tortillas in 1/4-inch strips. Line a plate with paper towels and when oil is hot, carefully drop strips into oil, separating as you put them in. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly golden and crispy, stirring gently as they cook. Remove with a strainer or slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately sprinkle with salt. These can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container after completely cooled.
• Yield: 2 cups

MEXICANA MEATLOAF WITH CILANTRO PESTO AND CRISPY TORTILLA STRIPS

Steps:

• For the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the panko and milk and set aside.
• Place the brisket and sirloin on a baking sheet and transfer to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up. (This will make grinding cleaner and easier.) Grind the meat in a food processor or bench top grinder, following manufacturer's instructions. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ground beef until ready to use.
• Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, poblano and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent. Add the cumin, oregano and ancho powder and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the ground beef, the chorizo, the milk-soaked panko, and the egg, black beans and corn. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined (don't overwork the meat). Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape into a free-form loaf. Bake until the internal temperature registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, pepitas, cumin, garlic and some salt and pepper. Pulse to a coarse paste; then slowly drizzle in the olive oil, while pulsing. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and fold in the cotija and Parmesan. Set aside.
• When the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and immediately spread some of the pesto over the top. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
• For the tortilla strips: Fill a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil, and heat the oil to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt.
• To serve: Cut the meatloaf into thick slices. Top with a dollop of cilantro pesto and some crispy tortilla strips. Serve.