Huauzontles

Huauzontles Recipe: Authentic Mexican Dish with Chiles, Cheese and Eggs

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Huauzontles are a traditional Mexican dish made with a unique ingredient - the huauzontle plant. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of huauzontles with a spicy tomato sauce and gooey Oaxaca cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Huauzontles have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The plant is native to Mexico and has been used in traditional dishes for its nutritional value and unique flavor.

Ingredients

a handful of huauzontles
5 dried chiles guajillo
3 dried chiles de arbol
1 – 2 fresh chiles jalapeno
1 medium garlic clove
5 ripe red tomatoes (or whole canned tomatoes)
0.33 cup chicken broth
100 g Oaxaca cheese
3 eggs
canola oil

How to prepare

Wash the hauzontle and separate the flowers from the thick stems. Boil the huauzontle flowers in salty water until soft, approximately 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Char the chilies, garlic, and tomatoes on a flat pan (only if using fresh tomatoes). Boil all the charred ingredients in a pot for about 10 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, you can also add some red wine. I personally like to add wine to anything I can :) Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend into a sauce, adding some chicken broth for consistency.
In a bowl, beat the egg whites and add the yolks.
Shape the huauzontles into balls the size of your palm. Place thin strips of Oaxaca cheese inside the balls and cover with the egg mixture. In a non-stick pan, fry the balls in canola oil for about 5 minutes, or until the egg is lightly browned.
Serve hot with the sauce.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat or beans to the huauzontle mixture for added protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cheddar, for a unique flavor.
Experiment with different types of chilies for varying levels of heat in the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the huauzontle thoroughly and remove the flowers from the thick stems before cooking.

- Boil the huauzontle flowers in salty water to soften them before incorporating them into the dish.

- Char the chilies, garlic, and tomatoes for a smoky flavor in the sauce.

- Use a non-stick pan to fry the huauzontle balls to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the huauzontles hot with the spicy tomato sauce on top. Pair with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the huauzontle flowers to soften them before incorporating them into the dish.

- Char the chilies, garlic, and tomatoes for a smoky flavor in the sauce.

- Fry the huauzontle balls in a non-stick pan until the egg is lightly browned.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find huauzontles, you can use spinach or Swiss chard as a substitute.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer if Oaxaca cheese is not available.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the huauzontle balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the huauzontles on a platter with the spicy tomato sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the huauzontles with a refreshing agua fresca or a cold beer to balance the heat of the chilies. A side of Mexican rice or refried beans complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover huauzontles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of huauzontles contains around 300 calories. This dish is a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.

Carbohydrates

Huauzontles are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with each serving containing around 10 grams of fat. The Oaxaca cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the huauzontles.

Proteins

Huauzontles are a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams. The eggs and cheese in this recipe contribute to the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Huauzontles are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and cheese, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Huauzontles are a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this traditional Mexican recipe as a delicious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Huauzontles are a delicious and nutritious dish that showcases the unique flavors of Mexican cuisine. With a spicy tomato sauce and gooey cheese, these huauzontles are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this traditional dish with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. I had always loved cooking, and I was always on the lookout for new recipes to try. One day, as I was walking through the market, I stumbled upon a stall selling a strange-looking vegetable I had never seen before. The vendor called it "huauzontles" and told me it was a traditional Mexican ingredient used in many dishes.

Intrigued, I decided to buy a bunch of huauzontles and take them home to experiment with. I had no idea what to do with them, but I was determined to figure it out. I started asking around the village for recipes, but no one seemed to know much about huauzontles. Finally, I came across an old woman who told me she had a special recipe for huauzontles that had been passed down through her family for generations.

I begged her to teach me the recipe, and after much persuasion, she finally agreed. She invited me into her humble home and showed me how to prepare the huauzontles. First, we cleaned and boiled them until they were tender. Then, we coated them in a light batter and fried them until they were crispy and golden brown. Finally, we topped them with a tangy salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and chilies.

I took a bite of the huauzontles and was instantly hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – earthy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

From that day on, huauzontles became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for my family and friends, who all marveled at the unique dish. I even entered a cooking competition in the village and won first place with my huauzontles recipe.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, always striving to make the huauzontles even more delicious. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, spreading the joy of this traditional Mexican dish far and wide.

Now, as an old woman myself, I look back on that fateful day in the market with fondness. It was the day I discovered huauzontles, a humble vegetable that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years. I am grateful to the old woman who shared her recipe with me, and I hope that others will continue to enjoy this unique and delicious dish for generations to come.

So, if you ever come across huauzontles in the market, don't hesitate to give them a try. You never know – you might just discover a new favorite recipe that will bring you as much happiness as it has brought me. Buen provecho!