Ingredients:
For the Red Sauce:
- 4 large tomatoes, roasted or 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 dried guajillo or ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 1-2 dried arbol chilies, stemmed and seeded (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chilaquiles:
- 8-10 cups tortilla chips (stale chips work well)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2-3 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
1. Make the Red Sauce:
- If using fresh tomatoes, roast them in the oven or on a stovetop until they are charred and soft. Remove the skins.
- In a blender, combine the roasted or canned tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried chilies, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Fry the Tortilla Chips:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the tortilla chips and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chips from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
3. Assemble the Chilaquiles:
- In the same skillet, pour the red sauce over the crispy tortilla chips.
- Gently toss the chips in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the chips are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
4. Serve:
- Transfer the chilaquiles to serving plates.
- Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese, drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream, and garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and radishes.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
5. Enjoy!
- Chilaquiles Rojos are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
Chilaquiles Rojos are a delightful and comforting Mexican breakfast or brunch dish, but they can be enjoyed any time of the day. Customize your toppings to suit your taste, and savor the rich, spicy, and tangy flavors of this classic dish.