Moms Red Chile Chilaquiles Recipes

CHILAQUILES ROJOS

Steps:

• To make the sauce: Measure the flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and cinnamon into a small bowl. Place the bowl near the stove with the tomato paste and broth.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil until it's it's hot enough that a light sprinkle of the flour/spice mixture sizzles on contact. This might take a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it.
• Once it's ready, pour in the flour and spice mixture. While whisking constantly, cook until fragrant and slightly deepened in color, about 1 minute. Whisk the tomato paste into the mixture, then slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to remove any lumps.
• Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, whisking often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened a bit and your spoon encounters some resistance as you stir it.
• Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Whisk in the cilantro and vinegar and season to taste with additional salt, if necessary (I usually add another pinch or two).
• To make the chilaquiles: Add the tortilla chips to the skillet. Using a flexible spatula, gently toss until all of the chips are coated in sauce. It might seem like they never will be, but keep stirring!
• Once coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Test a chip to see if it has softened to your liking (this is really a matter of personal preference-I like my chips lightly tender). If the chips are not sufficiently softened, cover the skillet for 1 to 4 minutes, until you're happy with their texture.
• Sprinkle the chilaquiles generously with crumbled cheese, radish and cilantro leaves. Scoop servings onto individual plates, add a few slices of avocado, a fried egg if desired, and a wedge of lime. The chips will continue softening with time, so chilaquiles are best served promptly (do not re-cover the pan to preserve heat; the chips will get far too soggy).

RED CHILE CHICKEN CHILAQUILES

Steps:

• To make Red Chile Sauce, remove stems, seeds, and veins from chile pods. Place in colander; rinse well with cool water.
• Place chiles in 3-quart saucepan; add enough water so chiles are just covered. Heat water to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn chiles over with tongs to make sure chiles soften evenly. Drain cooked pods; cool before blending.
• In blender, combine 2 1/2 cups water, the cooled chile pods, flour, salt and garlic. Cover; blend until smooth. Strain sauce through fine mesh strainer into bowl to remove skins and seeds; discard skins and seeds. Stir in tomato sauce. Taste; if necessary, season with additional salt.
• To make Chilaquiles, cut corn tortillas into quarters. In 10- to 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add tortilla pieces; fry until crunchy.
• Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cups of the Red Chile Sauce; mix just until all tortillas are coated. Stir in chicken; top with Oaxaca cheese. Cook just until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and queso fresco cheese; garnish with cilantro.