Chile Lime Tortilla Chips

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are a delicious and zesty snack that is perfect for any occasion. These homemade chips are easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy lime, spicy chile powder, and crunchy tortillas make for a tasty treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are a popular Mexican snack that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of lime and chile has long been used in Mexican cuisine to add a burst of flavor to dishes. The addition of these flavors to tortilla chips creates a unique and delicious snack that is perfect for parties, game days, or just a tasty treat.

Ingredients

non-fat cooking spray
0.5 tsp grated lime peel
4 flour tortillas (8 inches in diameter)
2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 tsp honey
chile powder, to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a large cookie sheet with nonfat cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine lime peel, lime juice, chile pepper, oil, and honey. Stir until well mixed.
Using a pastry brush, coat the tortillas with the lime mixture.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the tortillas into 12 wedges.
Arrange the wedges in a single layer on the greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with desired amount of chile powder.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the wedges turn golden brown.
Once baked, transfer the wedges to an airtight container and store at room temperature.

Variations

For a spicier kick, add more chile powder to the lime mixture before coating the tortillas. You can also experiment with different types of chile powder, such as chipotle or ancho, to change up the flavor profile of the chips.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Chile Lime Tortilla Chips turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, be sure to evenly coat each tortilla wedge with the lime mixture. Make sure to bake the chips in a single layer on the cookie sheet to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the chips while they are baking to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with salsa, guacamole, or queso for a tasty appetizer. They are perfect for parties, game days, or as a crunchy topping for salads.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the tortilla chips in the oven ensures that they turn out crispy and golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them while they are baking to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh limes on hand, you can use bottled lime juice instead. You can also substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for the honey in the lime mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lime mixture and cut the tortillas into wedges ahead of time. Store the coated tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chile Lime Tortilla Chips on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also garnish them with a wedge of lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips pair well with a variety of dips and salsas. Try serving them with a creamy avocado dip, a spicy salsa verde, or a tangy pico de gallo for a tasty snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chile Lime Tortilla Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat them, place the chips on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chile Lime Tortilla Chips contains approximately 120 calories. These chips make for a tasty and satisfying snack without packing on too many calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chile Lime Tortilla Chips contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Chile Lime Tortilla Chips contains approximately 3 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from the vegetable oil used to coat the chips. While fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, it is important to consume them in moderation.

Proteins

Each serving of Chile Lime Tortilla Chips contains approximately 2 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh-squeezed lime juice used in the recipe. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and promote overall health.

Alergens

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips contain wheat in the form of tortillas. They may also contain traces of soy if the tortillas are made with soybean oil. Be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens before consuming.

Summary

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are a flavorful and satisfying snack that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a small amount of protein. Enjoy these chips in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for any occasion. With their zesty lime flavor and spicy chile kick, these homemade chips are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them on their own or paired with your favorite dips for a tasty treat that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. On that particular day, she was in the midst of making a batch of homemade tortilla chips. The aroma of corn and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As Maria worked, she shared stories of her travels to Mexico and the delicious dishes she had sampled along the way. She spoke of a small roadside stand where she had tried the most incredible chile lime tortilla chips. The flavor combination of spicy chile and tangy lime had left a lasting impression on her, and she was determined to recreate the recipe at home.

I watched intently as Maria tossed the freshly fried tortilla chips with a blend of chile powder, lime zest, and salt. The chips glistened with the perfect balance of heat and citrus, beckoning me to take a bite. When I finally did, my taste buds erupted in a symphony of flavors. The crunch of the chips, the kick of the chile, and the zing of the lime all came together in perfect harmony.

I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she graciously obliged. She walked me through each step, from making the tortilla dough to seasoning the chips to perfection. I scribbled down notes furiously, determined to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. Maria's guidance was invaluable, and I soon found myself whipping up batch after batch of chile lime tortilla chips for family and friends.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to Maria's original recipe, adding a touch of garlic here and a sprinkle of cilantro there. Each variation has been a delicious experiment, showcasing the versatility of this simple snack. Whether paired with guacamole, salsa, or enjoyed on their own, these chips never fail to impress.

I have shared the recipe with countless friends and family members, each of whom has put their own spin on the classic flavors. Some have added extra heat with a dash of cayenne, while others have opted for a more subtle lime flavor. No matter the variation, the result is always a crowd-pleaser.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the comforting scent of freshly baked tortilla chips, I am reminded of the joy that food can bring. The act of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones is a gift, one that I am grateful to have received from Maria and countless others along the way.

So, the next time you find yourself in the mood for a crunchy, spicy snack, give this recipe a try. Let the memories of my dear friend Maria and the flavors of Mexico inspire you to create something truly special. And who knows, perhaps you will discover a new favorite recipe to pass down to future generations. Cooking is a journey, and I am grateful to have embarked on it with such delicious company.