Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish. Typically, corn tortillas, which are cut in quarters and fried until golden, are the basis of the dish. Next, green or red salsa, or even mole, is poured over the crispy tortilla triangles, called "totopos." The mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Eggs (scrambled or fried) and pulled chicken are sometimes added to the mix. The dish is topped with cheese (typically queso fresco), and/or sour cream (crema), and it is served with a side of refried beans. Like many dishes, regional and familial variation are quite common.

Unlike nachos, which are served as a crispy snack, chilaquiles are a main dish and are not served until the tortilla chips are thoroughly soaked and softened by the salsa. This makes them a popular recipe for stale chips, or those with a bad taste, as the other flavors mask that of the chips.

Usually, chilaquiles are eaten at breakfast or brunch. This makes them a popular recipe to use leftover tortillas and salsas.

Moreover, chilaquiles are often lauded as a cure for the common hangover; this is because in Mexico it is believed that spicy foods help in the recovery process from a hangover. However, this remedy is subject to debate since a stomach after a night of drinking usually gets very irritated. Adding spicy chilaquiles might only worsen the stomach irritation.

About

Seven Minutes to Midnight

While Hiro and Ando are discussing meal selections at the Burnt Toast Diner, Hiro asks Charlie to pick something delicious for himself and something full of fat for Ando. Charlie responds "Well I've got just the thing. One chilaquiles and one cottage cheese plate commin right up.". Hiro is later seen enjoying his meal.

Five Years Gone

Future Claire is seen serving a plate of chilaquiles to a patron of the Burnt Toast Diner.

Powerless

As Maya is preparing the dish in the kitchen of Mohinder's apartment, Sylar states "I hope you don't mind... Maya cooked. She makes the most amazing chilaquiles.".

Notes

The name chilaquiles is derived from the word chil-a-quilitl which means "herbs or greens in chili broth" or "a broken-up old, sombrero".

Trivia

Recipes for chilaquiles have been found in U.S. cookbooks published as far back as 1898.

Gallery

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  Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish.