Amazing Facts about Chilaquiles, A Traditional Mexican Breakfast Dish

Chilaquiles, a delicious dish made with tortillas and deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, is celebrated in animated Google Doodle. The popular Mexican dish Chilaquiles, which has won hearts and homes around the world, is honored with this Google Doodle. Oakland-based guest artist Chava Oropesa made the Doodle. On May 23, 1962, the recipe for Chilaquiles became popular for the first time. Here are some interesting and amazing facts about Chilaquiles you should need to know.

Quick Facts

• Course: Breakfast
• Place of origin: Central and Northern Mexico
• Main ingredients: Tortillas, green or red salsa, pulled chicken, cheese, refried beans, scrambled eggs

30 Interesting Facts about Chilaquiles

1. A traditional Mexican breakfast dish called chilaquiles is made with quartered corn tortillas that are then lightly fried.
2. The Nahuatl language of the Aztecs is where the word “chilaquiles” originated, and it means “chilis and greens.”
3. Because corn is so widely available in North America, people have been looking for new uses for old tortillas. After frying tortillas into strips and sautéing them in salsa, they discovered magic. These fried tortilla strips, garnished with avocados, onions, cream, and queso fresco, are an evolution of the breakfast dish.
4. The dish’s main ingredient is usually corn tortillas, which are cut into quarters and either baked or lightly fried.
5. A Mexican dish called “chilaquiles” is made of fried strips or pieces of corn tortillas that are sautéed with green or red salsa and topped with cheese, onion, and crema, a sweet, thin cream sauce.
6. Casseroles of pulled chicken can also be added while cooking, and casserole forms of the dish are well-liked. Among the foods that are frequently served with chilaquiles are beans, eggs, beef, and avocado.
7. Like the Tex-Mex dish migas, which is made with scrambled eggs and tortilla strips, it is usually eaten for breakfast or brunch. The original purpose of chilliquiles was to use up leftover tortillas that were getting a little stale.
8. Regional and familial variations are fairly common, as they are with many Mexican dishes. Chilaquiles are typically consumed for brunch or breakfast. Because of this, they’re a popular recipe for using up leftover salsa and tortillas.
9. It’s typical for the tortilla chips to stay crisp in central Mexico. This is accomplished by plating all of the ingredients—aside from the salsa—onto a plate and adding the salsa right before serving.
10. In Guadalajara, chilaquiles—which have a texture similar to polenta—are simmered for hours inside cazuelas.
11. The cream is occasionally added to chilaquiles in the state of Sinaloa.
12. One of the most popular uses of red tomato sauce is in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.
13. In the state of San Luis Potosí, chilaquiles are also frequently served with cecina instead of pulled chicken.
14. Mexican recipes for chilaquiles tapatíos a la mexicana, chilaquiles a la mexicana, and chilaquiles con camarones secos (chilaquiles with dry shrimp) were included in Encarnación Pinedo’s 1898 publication El cocinero español (The Spanish Cook) in California.
15. A tasty Mexican dish called chilaquiles is made with crispy tortilla chips and a range of delicious toppings. It’s high in fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, all of which are beneficial for a healthy digestive system and energy.
16. Thanks to its adaptability and mouthwatering flavors, chilaquiles have gained popularity and become a favorite meal. They provide a rich source of vital vitamins and minerals, as well as a spiciness that can be customized for a tasty and fulfilling meal.
17. One favorite dish in Mexican cooking is chilaquiles. They have become a popular choice for breakfast or brunch, owing to their rich culinary origins in the country.
18. Crispy tortilla chips that have been baked or lightly fried until golden and crisp make up the base of chilaquiles. These chips give the dish its foundation and a delightful crunch.
19. A variety of toppings can be added to chilaquiles due to their versatility. Avocado, diced onions, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa verde or roja, and diced onions are popular choices. The dish gains depth and flavor from these toppings.
20. Although they are delicious on their own, chilaquiles can be improved by the addition of protein. Shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, beef, or chorizo are typical options. These proteins give the meal a hearty, satisfying element.
21. Since corn or flour is used to make the main ingredient, tortilla chips, and chilaquiles are a substantial source of carbohydrates. The body uses carbohydrates as its main fuel source and is dependent on them for energy production.
22. A significant amount of fiber is added to the dish by the beans, vegetables, or salsa that are frequently added to Chilaquiles. In addition to helping to maintain a healthy digestive system, fiber can help control blood sugar levels.
23. When made with high-protein ingredients like chicken or eggs, chilaquiles can offer a decent amount of protein. Protein is necessary for the synthesis of hormones and enzymes, as well as for the maintenance and repair of tissues.
24. The fat content of chilaquiles can range from moderate to high, depending on the cooking technique and additional toppings used. This is mostly because ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and avocado were added, and the tortilla chips were fried in oil.
25. Fresh ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and cilantro are frequently added to choláquiles as garnishes, which raises the nutrient content overall.
26. Potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A are among the important vitamins and minerals that these ingredients offer.
27. The salsa or hot peppers used to make the chilaquiles can affect how spicy they are. While some versions might be mild and flavorful, others might have a strong spicy kick. This enables personalization to fit unique tastes.
28. The delectable flavor and adaptability of chilaquiles have made them popular not only in Mexico but also abroad. A comforting meal that can be eaten for breakfast, brunch, or any other time of day, chilaquiles are renowned for being flavorful and satisfying.
29. These days, breakfast and brunch menus throughout Mexico and the Southwest region of the US feature these delicious bite-sized tacos. The way that chilaquiles are prepared varies depending on the region of Mexico. However, Mexicans are very proud of these recipes, whether they are made with toasted totopos or drenched in salsa.
30. On May 23, 2024, Google featured an animated Doodle on its homepage for celebrating Chilaquiles.

In summary

In summary, chilaquiles are a tasty Mexican dish that also have several health benefits. They are abundant in vital nutrients, including fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. In addition to supporting heart health, digestion, energy levels, and a balanced diet, chilaquiles are a great food source. It’s essential to remember that the nutrition facts of chilaquiles can change based on the type of ingredient and cooking technique. It is advisable to be aware of portion sizes and select healthier preparation options if you are watching your calorie intake or have specific dietary restrictions. So go ahead and indulge in chilaquiles guilt-free, relishing their distinct flavors and taking advantage of their nutritional advantages. A delicious and wholesome complement to any meal, chilaquiles go well with both a smoky red sauce and a tart salsa verde.