Chee-la-KEE-lehs.
That’s how you pronounce the easiest dinner you’ve made in a long, long time.
Well, I guess I’m actually not sure what you’ve been making in your kitchen (how creepy would that be?!) – so I probably should rephrase. What I can say is that these Spicy Chipotle Chilaquiles are definitely the easiest dinner I’ve made in a long, long time!
So, first off – do you know what chilaquiles are?! I didn’t. I’m the first to admit I’ve been hearing about them for awhile, but, yep, I really wasn’t sure what they were all about.
Well, they’re a traditional Mexican dish made with fried tortillas that are simmered in a chile-tomato sauce. They’re sort of a cross between enchiladas and nachos. And not only are they super simple to make, as it turns out, they’re also incredibly adaptable for multi-vore households. You can make ’em vegan, vegetarian, and/or meaty for the omnivores. Plus, as long as you choose 100% corn tortillas, they’re already gluten-free!
Here’s how I make Spicy Chipotle Chilaquiles (3 ways)!
First, the chips.
I brush corn tortillas with olive oil, cut them into wedges, and bake them until crisp. Meanwhile, the sauce simmers.
In order to keep these on the healthier side, I cut fresh corn tortillas into wedges, brush them with a little olive oil, then bake them until crisp. The tomato sauce is ready just about the time the chips are – just stir them in and the base of your chilaquiles is done!
Now it’s all about the toppings – avocado, sliced radishes, onions, fresh cilantro, maybe a smattering of warmed black beans for the vegans. Maybe an egg and a sprinkle of cojita or cheddar cheese for the vegetarians. And perhaps some shredded or cubed chicken for the omnivores.
Mix and match however you like and dinner is served quicker than you can say chee-la-KEE-lehs!
Spicy Chipotle Chilaquiles (3+ Ways!)
Ingredients
For the baked tortilla chips:
- 12 6-inch corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Couple pinches kosher salt
For the sauce:
- 1 28-ounce can whole or diced tomatoes (fire-roasted are tastiest)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced (about 1/2 cup))
- 2 medium cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (seeds removed (unless you want them REALLY spicy then leave them))
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1/2 - 1 cup water or vegetable broth (if needed)
Toppings:
For the vegans
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Corn
- Sliced radishes
- Sliced sweet or red onion
- Cilantro
For the vegetarians
- All the vegan toppings +
- Shredded medium cheddar
- Cojito cheese
- Sour cream
- Fried egg
For the omnivores
- All the vegan & vegetarian toppings +
- Cubed cooked chicken or shredded chicken
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush tortillas on one side with olive oil, then stack them. Cut the stack into 6 or 8 wedges (your preference). Lay in a single layer on two large baking sheets and sprinkle with a little kosher salt. Bake until crisp, turning them over about 3/4 of the way through the cooking time, 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce. Place tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in the pitcher of a blender. Puree until smooth.
- Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, pour in the sauce and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and darker, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the front and back of the spoon, about 10 minutes more. If the sauce seems too thick (it should be about the consistency of canned tomato sauce), add a splash of water or vegetable broth until it reaches the right consistency.
- Stir in the tortillas. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Spoon onto plates and top with assorted toppings to customize them however you like!
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, with a name like mine, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
Like you, I cook mostly vegetarian, but sometimes I need to accommodate the omnivores in my life, and this is the perfect recipe for those meals. I’ve chosen it as my #RecipeOfTheDay for tomorrow on my social media sites, so I’ll be pinning and sharing around. I’m glad to have found your blog.
l have made chilaquiles for years , after first tasting them in Guanajuato Mex . in 1985. there they were served with green chile sauce , and queso fresco and of course tortillas
I usuallymake them with sautéed garlic, onions , mushrooms , sometimes shrimp or another carnivore treat
or just with the veggies, including zucchini and colorful peppers BUT ALWAYS WITH PLAIN YELLOW CORN TORTILLAS (white ones get sticky ) and i wedge cut them and sautee in olive oil after the onion / garlic / mushrooms
are half done. the large skillet i use will hold them as well as 4 or so beaten eggs stirred in with the hot mixture and then comes the green chili salsa and your favorite cheese
and a little sour cream on top with avocado slices , served in pasta bowls to hungry guests, it disappears quickly!
This is a delicious, easy dish – thanks for the recipe! I added extra chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to kick up the spice level. In the vegetarian toppings section, I think it is supposed to say “Cotija” cheese?