Chilaquiles is a popular Mexican dish often eaten for breakfast or brunch. It is made with fried or baked tortilla chips soaked in salsa—either red or green. The dish is topped with different ingredients like shredded chicken, fried eggs, cheese, and crema. For those not familiar with Mexican food or the Spanish language, a common question is: “What is chilaquiles called in English?”
There isn’t an exact English word for chilaquiles. If we translate the word directly, it could be something like “chile-covered tortillas” or “chips in salsa.” But, like other Mexican dishes such as tacos or quesadillas, chilaquiles is known by its original name, even in English-speaking countries. This is because it’s a unique dish with no exact English version. In this article, we’ll explore the history, recipe, and variations of chilaquiles, and how it has grown popular in other countries.
The History and Origins of Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles goes back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, where it was a way to use up leftover corn tortillas. The tortillas were fried, and then covered with salsa to make them soft but still a little crunchy. The word chilaquiles comes from Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs, and it means “greens or herbs in chile sauce.” Over time, the dish changed, especially after the Spanish brought new ingredients like cheese and meat to Mexico.
The idea of turning stale tortillas into a tasty dish shows how creative Mexican cooks were. Over time, chilaquiles became a common meal in Mexican homes, mostly served as a filling breakfast. It was a great way to use up leftover food, especially salsa and tortillas, so nothing went to waste.
By the late 1800s, chilaquiles started appearing in cookbooks, like in Encarnación Pinedo’s “El cocinero español” in 1898, showing its importance in Mexican cooking. Today, the dish is loved all over Mexico and has become popular in other countries, especially in the United States.
Chilaquiles in Global Cuisine
Although chilaquiles started in Mexico, it’s now enjoyed in many parts of the world. In the United States, for example, it’s easy to find chilaquiles on the menu at brunch places and Mexican restaurants. However, some ingredients might be different. In American restaurants, chilaquiles might have cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado, which aren’t always used in the traditional recipe. Even with these changes, the dish remains a favorite among people who love Mexican food.
For example, in the U.S., you may find chilaquiles that are different from the Mexican version, but this only adds to its popularity. These changes show how food can adapt to different cultures while keeping its original flavors. To learn more about other traditional Mexican dishes, check out Popular Mexican Dishes.
For home cooks, chilaquiles is easy to make with ingredients that many people already have. It’s a simple but tasty dish that’s great for breakfast or brunch.
Traditional Chilaquiles Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe to help you make traditional chilaquiles at home. Feel free to change the recipe to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas (cut into wedges or strips)
- 2 cups of red or green salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco or cotija)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Fry or Bake the Tortillas: Heat oil in a pan and fry the tortilla wedges until crispy and golden. For a lighter version, bake the tortillas in the oven at 350°F until crispy.
- Heat the Salsa: If you’re making salsa from scratch, blend tomatoes, chiles, onion, and cilantro. Heat the salsa in a pan. If using store-bought salsa, heat it on the stove until warm.
- Mix the Chips and Salsa: Add the fried or baked tortilla chips to the salsa. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until the chips become soft, but still a little crispy.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the chilaquiles to a plate. Top with crema, cheese, onions, cilantro, avocado, and fried eggs if you like.
- Serve Immediately: Chilaquiles are best enjoyed right away, while the chips are still slightly crunchy.
Pair the dish with refried beans or guacamole for a complete Mexican breakfast. For more Mexican brunch ideas, check out this guide to traditional Mexican recipes.
Different Types of Chilaquiles
One reason why chilaquiles is so loved is because it’s so flexible. You can change it to fit your taste or the ingredients you have at home. Here are some popular variations:
- Red vs. Green Salsa: Using salsa verde (green salsa) gives the dish a fresh, tangy flavor, while salsa roja (red salsa) has a rich, deep taste from the tomatoes.
- Chilaquiles Divorciados: This version uses both red and green salsa on opposite sides of the plate, giving you two flavors in one meal.
- Eggs or Chicken: You can add a fried egg on top, which is common in both Mexico and the United States. For a heartier dish, mix in shredded chicken.
- Vegan Chilaquiles: For a vegan version, leave out the cheese, eggs, and meat. Add toppings like avocado, beans, and vegan sour cream.
These variations show that chilaquiles can be made in many ways, which is why it’s so popular with people who like to experiment with their meals.
Is Chilaquiles Healthy?
At first glance, chilaquiles might seem like an indulgent dish, but it can easily be made healthy. Here are a few ways to make this dish more nutritious:
- Bake the Tortillas: Baking the tortillas instead of frying them cuts down on fat while still keeping them crispy.
- Add Protein: Adding shredded chicken or a fried egg gives the dish more protein, helping you feel fuller longer.
- Healthy Toppings: Instead of using heavy creams or cheeses, try adding fresh avocado slices, which are full of healthy fats, and top the dish with salsa for a boost of flavor without the calories.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy chilaquiles as a filling, nutritious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the closest English dish to chilaquiles?
There isn’t an exact match, but chilaquiles can be compared to a breakfast hash. Both dishes use crispy ingredients (tortillas or potatoes) and can include eggs and meat.
2. How are chilaquiles different from nachos?
While nachos are usually eaten as a snack, chilaquiles are a full meal. In chilaquiles, the tortillas are soaked in salsa, making them soft, unlike the crunchy chips in nachos.
3. Can chilaquiles be made vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan chilaquiles by leaving out any meat, cheese, or eggs. Instead, use avocado, beans, or other plant-based ingredients.
4. How do you pronounce chilaquiles?
It’s pronounced “chee-lah-KEE-lehs.”
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles is a wonderful dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you prefer it with red or green salsa, topped with chicken, or simply with eggs, it’s a satisfying meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Its roots in Mexican culture and its ability to change and adapt make it a favorite around the world.