Red Chile Tortilla Recipes

CHILAQUILES ROJOS

Steps:

• To make the sauce: Measure the flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and cinnamon into a small bowl. Place the bowl near the stove with the tomato paste and broth.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil until it's it's hot enough that a light sprinkle of the flour/spice mixture sizzles on contact. This might take a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it.
• Once it's ready, pour in the flour and spice mixture. While whisking constantly, cook until fragrant and slightly deepened in color, about 1 minute. Whisk the tomato paste into the mixture, then slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to remove any lumps.
• Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, whisking often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened a bit and your spoon encounters some resistance as you stir it.
• Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Whisk in the cilantro and vinegar and season to taste with additional salt, if necessary (I usually add another pinch or two).
• To make the chilaquiles: Add the tortilla chips to the skillet. Using a flexible spatula, gently toss until all of the chips are coated in sauce. It might seem like they never will be, but keep stirring!
• Once coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Test a chip to see if it has softened to your liking (this is really a matter of personal preference-I like my chips lightly tender). If the chips are not sufficiently softened, cover the skillet for 1 to 4 minutes, until you're happy with their texture.
• Sprinkle the chilaquiles generously with crumbled cheese, radish and cilantro leaves. Scoop servings onto individual plates, add a few slices of avocado, a fried egg if desired, and a wedge of lime. The chips will continue softening with time, so chilaquiles are best served promptly (do not re-cover the pan to preserve heat; the chips will get far too soggy).

NEW MEXICO RED CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Coat the bottom of a heavy saucepan with oil; add chile pods. Toast over medium heat until aromatic, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in onion and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add enough chicken stock to allow pods to float; simmer until they develop the texture of wet leather, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Fill blender halfway with chile-stock mixture. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Pour into a bowl; repeat with remaining mixture. Strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan over medium heat. Discard solids.
• Stir cumin, coriander, and oregano into the saucepan; add honey. Cook until sauce is thick and evenly coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.

ENCHILADAS ROJAS

Steps:

• Remove all the stems, seeds, and veins from the dried chiles.
• Add the dried chiles to a stock pot and cover them with 4 cups water.
• Bring to a boil.
• Cover with a lid and turn off heat.
• Let sit in the hot water for 5-7 minutes, or until fully pliable
• Discard the water.
• Add the rehydrated chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, and salt to a blender.
• Add the remaining 2 cups water to the blender.
• Blender until smooth.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a stock pot.
• Place strainer over the pot.
• Strain the sauce into the pot. Stirring occasionally.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
• Set aside until ready to use.
• In a large skillet, heat the remaining oil.
• Fry the tortillas. 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Place tortillas on a paper towel.
• Drain any excess oil.
• Dip the tortilla into the red chile sauce.
• Place the tortilla on a plate.
• Stuff with 1 tablespoon queso fresco.
• Fold one side of the tortilla over.
• Fold the other side of the tortilla in, creating the shape of a flute.
• Set aside.
• Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
• Repeat until there are no more tortillas.
• Sprinkle with more queso fresco, diced onion, avocado, and crema mexicana.
• Serve and enjoy!

RED CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Remove stems and seeds from dried chile pods. Rinse and place in 4-quart pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let pods steep for 30 minutes.
• Drain pods in a colander and reserve juice. Place softened pods into a blender or food processor, adding just enough reserved juice to barely cover. Blend to a fine consistency. Pour the resulting pulp into a fine sieve or colander and allow the extra juice to drain out, stirring occasionally.
• Return this pulp to the 4-quart pot and add the salt, oregano, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste to adjust seasonings. If the sauce tastes bitter, add the tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
• Use red chile sauce over enchiladas, chile rellenos, or as a side or sauce for any other Mexican entree.

RED CHILE TORTILLA

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine all ingredients together. Mix well; knead it by hand, if necessary. Take off piece of mixture (1-ounce). Roll around with hand. With a dough roller or a tortilla press, smooth mixture to 1/8-inch thick. On a grill or skillet at 300 degrees F, cook for 30 seconds on each side. Repeat with remaining dough. Then put in a tortilla warmer.