Mexican Seven Layer Dip

In Praise of the Tortilla

Tortilla comes from the Spanish "torta" which means round cake. According to one website , toritllas date back 10,000 years before Christ and were considered one of the principal foods of the Aztecs.

Today the tortilla is a staple food in many homes. They come in several varieties from the original corn flour to wheat flour and flavored. You can buy them cooked or uncooked. Or if you are really adventurous you can make them yourself.

In my house, tortillas are the go to food because of their amazing versatility. I buy them uncooked from Albertson's (found in the cheese aisle) or Costco (found in the refrigerated section by the butter and cheese) because I prefer the texture and I enjoy the cooking process.

If you are looking for appetizer, meal or even dessert ideas look no further than the "little tortilla that could."

Appetizers

Tortillas can easily be made into a lightly crisped chip. Buy tortillas in several flavors such as tomato basil, spinach and jalapeno. Cut them into triangles or strips and dip them into hot oil and cook until they are at the desired crispiness. Lay them out on a paper towel to dry and then serve them with your favorite salsa or dip.

Tip - Work in batches to ensure even cooking.

One of my favorite appetizers is a tortilla sandwhich. Similar to seven layer dip this sandwhich is made by layering  three tortillas with refried beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, olives and/or tomatoes. Layer in any order and then cut into triangles.

Meals

Tortillas can be used to make most mexican dishes such as, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and fajitas. They are also a great wrap for leftovers.

The day after a barbeque I reheat my leftover meat and veggies, mix them with some rice and salsa and wrap it in a tortilla to creat a soft taco.

My favorite meal made with tortillas is chicken enchiladas. My chicken enchiladas are simply prepared like this:

Cook 1-2 chicken breasts cut into one inch pieces or use canned chicken.

In a saucepan combine one 15 oz. can green enchilada sauce with one 8 oz. package of cream cheese. Melt and stir together until creamy.

Add cooked chicken to sauce and stir to cover.

Fill tortillas with sauce and roll lengthwise then place into an 8" by 8" baking dish. Continue until dish is full (usually about five enchiladas). Pour remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas, top with cheese and one 4 0z. can of green chiles.

Easy Mexican 7 layer Dip Recipe | Mexican Appetizer Recipe | Chef ...

On the day of the party. Since this is usually served at room temperature, there is this relief of not worrying about this getting cold. Advance prepping was totally allowed with the idea that you actually would be able to "enjoy" your own party instead of slogging in the kitchen. So for me the one appetizer that fit the bill perfectly was some sort of a dip. Party food + Quick + Looks Palatable = Mexican 7 Layer Dip of course!!!!! "double dipping". Hence instead of putting this whole thing together in one bowl (the way its usually done), I put them in individual bowls. But its totally optional. I have made them relatively healthier than regular dips without compromising on the taste. The beans have minimal oil ,  the sour cream 50% less fat and those crispy tortilla chips are baked instead of deep fried. Its one of those guilt free party appetizer that speaks of celebration without making you feel like you are losing out on the party scene with "diet" food. For the Beans Layer (or use refried beans recipe ) 1 cup/8 oz/ 230grams of small red beans 1-2 dried bay leaves (optional) 1/2 tbsp Epazote (optional) 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely minced 2 shallots, finely minced 1 Jalapeno, chopped finely (seeded for mild heat) 2-3 tbsp vegetable/corn oil 2 tsp cider vinegar salt, black pepper, pepper flakes to taste For the guacamole 3 cups of Guacamole (or use store bought) For Other Layers 3 cups sour cream 2-3 cups of lettuce, chopped 1 cup part skim Monterey Jack Cheese, grated 1 cup part skim Cheddar cheese 1 cup diced fresh plum tomatoes (or use firm regular tomatoes) 1/2 cup chopped pitted black olives abt 4 spring onions (scallions), diced Few cilantro sprigs for garnish, chopped finely Canned Black Beans/ Refried Beans will make it even more simpler, so you can use that instead of small red beans. You can use any of your own layers. The measurements for the layers are approximate. You can increase or reduce the amount depending on the taste. Instead of using Jack and Cheddar, you can use those fancy shredded 4 Mexican cheese packets.

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