Chilaquiles

Step 1

Fry Tortillas (See notes for air-fryer, baked, or store-bought options): Cut corn tortillas into 6 wedges and allow them to dry on the counter for a few hours, or overnight (or, use older stale corn tortillas). Add about an inch or so of vegetable oil to the bottom of a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the corn tortillas (you may need to work in batches) to hot oil and cooking until crisp, turning them once or twice. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2

Soak dried chiles: Use scissors to cut the dried chiles open, and remove veins and seeds inside. Place dried chiles in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil reduce heat to simmer and cook them until softened, 20-30 minutes.

Step 3

Blend Salsa Verde: While the chiles cook, make the green sauce. To a blender add 1/3 cup chicken broth, garlic, oregano and cumin seed. Blend well. Add tomatillos and ¼ cup (a small handful) fresh cilantro and blend until smooth.

Step 4

Simmer: Heat a saucepan with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes. Remove onion to a plate. Pour the green tomatillo sauce from the blender into the saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Blend Red Chiles: Once the red chiles are softened, use a slotted spoon to remove the chiles from the liquid and place them in blender with 1 cup chicken broth. Blend until smooth.

Step 6

Combine: Pour red chile sauce mixture into a fine mesh strainer set over the pot with the green sauce. Use a spoon to press it through the strainer and into the pot. Season with salt and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 2/3 cup more chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and add a dash of oregano, or ground cumin, if needed.

Step 7

Add Tortillas: Add crispy tortillas to the sauce and toss until well coated.

Step 8

Serve: Divide chilaquiles between plates and sprinkle with a pinch of queso fresco. Add some sautéed onions, a drizzle of crema, sliced avocado, and chicken if desired. Serve with a side of refried black beans and a fried or sunny side up egg.