Chili Santa Cruz

Chili Santa Cruz Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine with Shark and Rice

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chili Santa Cruz is a delicious and spicy Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh jalapenos, cumin, and oregano with tender shark fillets and hearty rice. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chili Santa Cruz is a traditional Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is named after the city of Santa Cruz, which is known for its vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural heritage. This dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its bold flavors and comforting ingredients.

Ingredients

3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 chopped onion
2 minced cloves of garlic
2 to 3 fresh or pickled jalapenos, seeded, and minced
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cumin seed
0.5 tsp crushed oregano leaves
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz or 454 g) peeled tomatoes, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
3 corn tortillas
1 lb (454 g) shark fillets, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan.
Add the onion and cook over medium heat until it becomes soft but not brown.
Stir in the garlic, jalapenos, paprika, cumin, and oregano.
Cook over low heat, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and chicken broth.
Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cover the tortillas with warm water and let them stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain the tortillas and tear them into small pieces.
Add the fish and torn tortillas to the tomato mixture.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute the shark fillets with shrimp or chicken for a different twist on this dish.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to seed the jalapenos before mincing them to control the level of spiciness in the dish.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

- To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the shark fillets with tofu or extra vegetables.

- Adjust the amount of paprika and cumin to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chili Santa Cruz with a side of fresh avocado slices, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the tomato mixture slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Tear the tortillas into small pieces to help thicken the chili and add a unique texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any firm white fish, such as cod or halibut, in place of shark fillets.

- Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chili Santa Cruz can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Chili Santa Cruz with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chili Santa Cruz with a crisp and refreshing Mexican beer or a glass of chilled white wine. A side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad would also complement this dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chili Santa Cruz in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chili Santa Cruz contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chili Santa Cruz contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chili Santa Cruz contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chili Santa Cruz contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chili Santa Cruz is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and wheat (from the tortillas) allergens.

Summary

Chili Santa Cruz is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Chili Santa Cruz is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its bold spices, tender fish, and hearty rice, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this delicious meal with friends and family for a taste of Mexico right in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a hot summer day in Santa Cruz, and I was visiting a local farmer's market with my dear friend Maria. As we strolled through the market, sampling fresh fruits and vegetables, we came across a small booth selling homemade chili.

The aroma wafting from the pot was tantalizing, and I couldn't resist asking the vendor for the recipe. She smiled warmly and began to tell me about the history of Chili Santa Cruz. She explained that it was a traditional recipe passed down through generations of her family, originating from the indigenous people of the region.

As she spoke, I watched intently as she added the various ingredients to the pot – beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a special blend of spices that gave the chili its unique flavor. I could tell that this recipe was something special, and I was determined to learn how to make it myself.

After purchasing a bowl of the chili and enjoying every last spoonful, Maria and I bid farewell to the vendor and headed back to her cozy kitchen. I was eager to recreate the dish and make it my own. Maria, always eager to try new recipes, offered to help me gather the ingredients and guide me through the cooking process.

Together, we chopped vegetables, sautéed onions and garlic, and added the spices that would bring the chili to life. As the fragrant aroma filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was creating something truly special.

After simmering the chili for hours on the stove, we finally sat down to enjoy our creation. The first bite brought back memories of that hot summer day in Santa Cruz, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and adjustments to make it truly my own. I shared it with family and friends, who all raved about its delicious flavor and comforting warmth.

As I grew older, I realized that the true beauty of this recipe lay not just in its taste, but in the memories and stories that came with it. Each time I made Chili Santa Cruz, I was transported back to that farmer's market in Santa Cruz, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a vibrant community coming together to share in the joy of good food.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that they too will feel the same sense of awe and wonder that I did the first time I saw it. And perhaps, one day, they too will find themselves in a bustling market, inspired by a simple bowl of chili to create something truly magical.