Ingredients

  • 8 medium tomatillos (about 1 1/2 pounds total weight), husked and rinsed
  • 1 serrano or jalapeno chile, stemmed
  • 1/2 white onion, halved again
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • Pinch of dried oregano
  • Pinch of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon corn oil
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 12 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Crema fresca or sour cream for garnish

Method

  • To make the salsa verde: Put the tomatillos, chile, onion, and garlic in a medium pot and add water to cover.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are soft and the tomatillos turn pale green, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • Carefully transfer the boiled vegetables, along with the cooking water, to a blender.
  • Puree for a few seconds to blend; be sure to hold down the lid with a kitchen towel for safety.
  • Add the 1/2 bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and broth.
  • Continue to puree until smooth.
  • You should have about 1 quart of salsa verde.
  • Place a wide pot or pan over medium-high heat and coat with the corn oil.
  • When the oil is hazy, pour in the salsa verde; it will bubble a bit.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Cover, reduce the heat to very low, and keep warm while you finish the chips.
  • Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or countertop deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 375F over medium-high heat.
  • Stack the tortillas and fan them with your thumb to separate.
  • Cut the tortillas into 8 wedges like a pie.
  • Working in batches, fry the tortilla chips, turning them with a skimmer or slotted spoon so they don't stick together, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove the chips to a paper towel-lined baking pan or brown paper bag to drain and cool.
  • (Let the oil return to the proper temperature between batches.)
  • To finish the chilaquiles, uncover the salsa verde and raise the heat to medium.
  • Just when it starts to bubble, stir in the beaten eggs.
  • Cook and stir for about 5 seconds, until the egg feathers into the sauce, thickening and binding it.
  • Immediately add the chips, tossing gently until they have absorbed enough sauce to become soft.
  • Take care not to break the chips.
  • Sprinkle the Jack cheese on top and let it melt.
  • Divide the chilaquiles among 4 plates.
  • Sprinkle with the queso fresco, chopped onion, and cilantro.
  • Garnish with the crema fresca and serve immediately.