Ingredients

  • 6 ounces Mexican-style pork chorizo (recommended: Reynaldo's)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cups Stovetop Salsa, recipe follows
  • Tortilla Chips, recipe follows
  • 4 ounces Cheddar, grated
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack, grated
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 6 Roma tomatoes
  • 1 large yellow onion, root removed, peeled, and halved
  • 1 jalapeno, stemmed
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Special Equipment: 5-cup capacity blender
  • 3 cups canola oil
  • 36 corn tortillas, cut into 8 wedges
  • Salt
  • Sweet paprika
  • Special Equipment: Deep-fat frying thermometer

Method

  • Remove the chorizo from its casing by splitting 1 end and squeezing out the meat.
  • In a large heavy-bottomed high-sided saute pan, fry the chorizo in the oil until it is grainy but still soft, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up the meat and prevent a crust from forming on the bottom of the pan.
  • Set aside and keep hot.
  • In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, stir the salsa with a wooden spoon until hot and sputtering.
  • Add half the tortilla chips and stir to coat with the salsa, then cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the rest of the tortilla chips, stir to coat with the salsa, and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 to 5 additional minutes.
  • There should be a nice mix of very soft and still slightly crunchy chips when the chiliqueles are finished.
  • Remove from the heat and use a slotted spoon or tongs to heap generous portions into each of 4 bowls.
  • While still piping hot, top with the grated Cheddar and Montery Jack cheeses, chorizo, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of red onion and cilantro.
  • Serve hot with Guacamole on the side.
  • In a medium stock pot, place the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and garlic and cover with 2 quarts water.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat and let cook 5 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft.
  • Transfer with a slotted spoon to a blender and puree until smooth with the cilantro and salt.
  • If the salsa is too thick (it should have the consistency of a very thick soup), add a little of the cooking liquid.
  • Check seasoning and add additional salt, if necessary, and pepper, to taste.
  • Yield: 4 cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Inactive Prep Time: none
  • Ease of Preparation: easy
  • In a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat, bring the oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the chips in small batches until crisp and lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • (They will continue to darken while resting.)
  • With tongs or a metal frying ladle, transfer the chips to a large bowl lined with paper towels.
  • Season with the salt and paprika while still warm.
  • Repeat with the remaining chips.
  • Cook's Note: If you don't have a deep-fat frying thermometer, drop in a small piece of tortilla to check the temperature of the oil.
  • You're ready to fry when the tortilla bobs to the surface immediately and the oil surrounding it begins to bubble vigorously.
  • If your chips cook too quickly, turn down the heat.
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Inactive Prep Time: none