Mexican food has a reputation for being spicy, so if you have never tried chilaquiles it makes sense to ask yourself “Are chilaquiles spicy?” In today’s blog, we answer this question and offer some tips to enjoy this staple of Mexican cuisine.
Are Chilaquiles Spicy?
So, are chilaquiles spicy? The answer is “it depends.” In general, chilaquiles tend to be spicy. After all, the idea is that you have chilaquiles for breakfast because the spiciness (plus coffee!) helps beat early-morning grogginess.
Typically, red chilaquiles are made with dried chiles such as guajillo or ancho, while green chilaquiles are made with fresh jalapeños or serranos. As a result, chilaquiles are usually mild to moderately spicy.
However, not all Mexicans love spicy food. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to offer mild versions of both red and green chilaquiles. When ordering, don’t be afraid to ask if the chilaquiles are spicy and whether there’s a non-spicy version available.
What To Do if Your Chilaquiles Are Too Spicy
Are your chilaquiles too spicy? No problem! Here are some tricks to enjoy chilaquiles without setting your taste buds on fire.
Add more beans or cheese: With their neutral taste, both ingredients can help to reduce the heat of a spicy dish.
Mix mild sauces: You add some mild sauce to your chilaquiles to tone down the level of spiciness.
Add a topping: Chilaquiles can be served with a variety of toppings and side dishes. Some of the most common toppings include avocado, sour cream, cilantro, onion, and radish. You can also serve chilaquiles with eggs, either scrambled or fried, for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Chicken can help! Adding shredded chicken to your chilaquiles is a delicious way to tame the spiciness while adding a nice protein kick to your meal.
Wrapping It Up
Chilaquiles are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your taste and spiciness preference.
Whether you like them spicy or mild, with eggs or meat, as a breakfast or dinner dish, chilaquiles always offer a great meal option.
Now that you know more about the level of spiciness in chilaquiles, go ahead and experiment with different sauces and toppings to create your perfect plate of chilaquiles. Enjoy!
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