Nachos Santa Fe
Nachos Santa Fe Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish with Refried Beans, Chicken and Monterey Jack
Introduction
Nachos Santa Fe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with a touch of Southwestern flair. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering.
History
Nachos Santa Fe is a modern twist on traditional nachos, which are believed to have originated in the 1940s in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras. The dish was created by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, who improvised a snack for a group of hungry American military wives using what he had on hand – tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapenos. The dish was a hit and quickly spread in popularity throughout the United States and beyond.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) of Mission tortilla Rounds Chips
- 16 oz (454 g) of canned refried beans
- 0.5 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of cooked chicken
- 1.5 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese
- 3 cans of sliced jalapenos
How to prepare
- Spread Mission tortilla rounds chips evenly over a microwave-safe platter or baking sheet.
- Spread 1 tsp of refried beans onto each chip.
- Top with sour cream, chicken, cheese, and jalapenos.
- Heat on high for 1–2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Variations
- Substitute ground beef or pork for the chicken.
- Use black beans instead of refried beans for a vegetarian option.
- Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or diced red onions for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to evenly spread the ingredients over the tortilla chips to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences – try adding diced tomatoes, black olives, or avocado slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nachos Santa Fe with a side of guacamole, salsa, and a cold beer or margarita.
Cooking Techniques
To make the dish extra crispy, bake the nachos in the oven instead of microwaving them.
- For a healthier option, use baked tortilla chips instead of fried.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter alternative.
- Swap out the canned jalapenos for fresh jalapeno slices for a fresher flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the toppings in advance and assemble the nachos just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Nachos Santa Fe on a large platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Nachos Santa Fe with a crisp and refreshing beer, a fruity margarita, or a glass of sparkling water with lime.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Nachos Santa Fe contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Nachos Santa Fe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Nachos Santa Fe contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Nachos Santa Fe contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Nachos Santa Fe is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (tortilla chips).
Summary
Nachos Santa Fe is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Nachos Santa Fe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Nachos Santa Fe. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a leisurely stroll through the bustling farmer's market in town. As I wandered through the rows of colorful fruits and vegetables, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats filled the air.
I was drawn to a small food stall tucked away in the corner of the market. The sign above the stall read "Maria's Mexican Kitchen." Intrigued, I made my way over and found myself face to face with Maria herself, a warm and welcoming woman with a twinkle in her eye.
Maria greeted me with a smile and offered me a sample of her famous Nachos Santa Fe. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of crunchy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty salsa was a flavor explosion unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I couldn't resist asking Maria for the recipe, and to my delight, she agreed to share it with me. As she walked me through the ingredients and cooking process, I could see the passion and love she poured into her cooking. She explained that the secret to her Nachos Santa Fe was the homemade salsa she made from scratch using ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices.
Armed with Maria's recipe, I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following Maria's instructions to the letter. As the aroma of sizzling beef and bubbling cheese filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of joy and satisfaction unlike any I had ever experienced before.
When the nachos were finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. Each bite was a burst of flavor and texture, a symphony of tastes that danced on my taste buds. As I savored every mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.
Over the years, I have made Nachos Santa Fe countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the dish just as I did. And every time I make it, I think back to that warm summer day in the farmer's market, where I discovered a culinary gem that would become a cherished part of my cooking legacy.
So here it is, my recipe for Nachos Santa Fe, passed down to me by the wonderful Maria. May it bring as much joy and satisfaction to you and your loved ones as it has to me. Enjoy!
Categories
| Cheese Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Jack Cheese Recipes | Mexican Appetizers | Mexican Recipes | Nachos Recipes | Refried Bean Recipes |