Recipes tagged with « Tex-Mex »
Tex-Mex Creamed Corn Twist
Creamed corn infused with smoky chipotle powder and sweet corn kernels. Blended half the corn with coconut cream for a tropical twist. Simmered with sautéed red onion, poblano pepper, and fresh tomato pulp. Finished with lime zest and chopped cilantro. Serve hot for a vibrant side or a bold entrée. Grain-free, egg-free, nut-free. Adapts well with canned corn and can swap poblano for green bell. Uses visual caramelization cues and bubbling for heat control. Herb garnish adds fresh brightness to the rich base. A tactile and aromatic experience marked by slow softening and gentle caramel notes on the aromatics.
Smoky Cheese Sauce
A creamy cheese sauce with a smoky kick. Uses evaporated milk thickened with tapioca starch instead of cornstarch, adding a subtle chewiness. Replaces cheddar with a blend of Monterey Jack and smoked mozzarella for mellow melt and deeper aroma. Chipotle swapped for smoky ancho chili powder plus a hint of cayenne to control heat and avoid moisture. Sauce thickens over gentle heat, no scorching if you whisk steadily and scrape edges right. Versatile for nachos, steamed veggies, or pasta. Dairy-forward, lightly spicy, velvety texture. Avoid grainy clumps by gradual cheese addition off heat. Works well with whole milk if evaporated unavailable—reduce thickener accordingly.
Spicy Pickled Jalapeños
Quick pickled jalapeños with reduced vinegar and swapped water for apple cider vinegar. Adds a pinch of smoked paprika and fresh oregano sprig for a subtle smoky herbal twist. Membranes partially removed to keep some heat; balances zing and crunch. Uses garlic minced instead of halved clove to boost flavor release. Macerate 20-25 hours for optimal infusion. Can keep refrigerated 2 1/2 months. Sharp pop of vinegar with lingering smoke, crisp heat beneath, bright green flash. Practical, adaptable, straight to the point.
Beer Chili Twist
Hearty chili, swapped pork for turkey, replaced white beans with black beans, added a pinch cinnamon. Slow simmer lets flavors meld into thick, saucy richness. A smoky aroma fills the kitchen, aroma sharpens as the beer hits the pan. The meat browns to deep caramel, spices toast releasing a warm earthiness. Subtle bitterness from beer balances the slight sweetness from cinnamon and cocoa powder. Serve over rice or crunchy nachos. Adaptable to what’s on hand. No heavy cream, no dairy. Gluten free naturally. Use ground turkey for lighter, black beans for richer bite. Cinnamon adds subtle warmth without being obvious.
Dual Meat Chili Pressure Cooked
Red beans soaked overnight, pork shoulder cubed and seared, lean ground beef browned with aromatics and spices. Tomatoes and stock combined, cooked under pressure for a rich, hearty chili. Uses cocoa powder and smoked paprika for depth, cumin for earthiness, and jalapeño with optional cayenne for heat. Adapted quantities and swapped chicken broth for vegetable stock, cumin replaced with coriander, adding chipotle pepper for smoky notes. Natural pressure release retains flavor, final seasoning adjustments recommended. Serve over rice, tortilla chips or baked potatoes. Nut free, dairy free, gluten free, egg free. Efficient layering of flavors, textures, and vibrant color with minimal hands-on time.
Beef Enchiladas Remix
Ground beef braised with smoky chipotle and oregano, folded with black beans into tortillas, bathed in spicy tomato-chipotle sauce, topped with melting aji cheese. Oven-rivered heat melts cheese, melds flavors. Salsa and sour cream cooling counterbalance with tang. A robust, layered Tex-Mex staple reworked with Italian herbs and fire-roasted tomatoes for a punchy, lively dish. Practical for rushed weeknights or weekend batch cooking. Layered heat. Textural contrast from creamy beans and crisped edges. Cheese melting signals readiness. The cumin is replaced with oregano, aji cheese swaps Monterey Jack to tweak smoky notes. Use black beans instead of pinto. Total cook time just shy of 50 minutes.
Tex-Mex Pork Ribs Remixed
Slow-cooked pork ribs rubbed with tangy apple cider vinegar and fresh garlic, layered with smoky cumin and smoked paprika instead of traditional tex-mex mix. Marinated for depth, baked low and slow until falling-off-the-bone tender. Glazed with spicy chipotle and orange zest honey mustard. Ideal for when you want smoky, bright, and sticky ribs with a subtle heat hit and sweet brightness. Gluten, dairy, egg, nut free. Substitutions suggested if unavailable ingredients or equipment. Measured times adjusted; visual cues prioritized for doneness.
Spiced Beef Tortilla Salad
Spiced ground beef layered in crispy wheat tortillas shaped as bowls. Lettuce, sharp cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy topping. Chili powder and oregano distributed between crust and filling for balanced heat and herbiness. Garlic and onion elevate the beef's savoriness. Textural contrast: tortilla crunch, tender meat, fresh crunch from vegetables, and smooth cream. Substituting corn tortillas and swapping cheddar with Monterey Jack adds regional variation. Timing focuses on aroma and color cues in meat and toasty edges on tortillas. Practical pointers on tortilla shaping and avoiding sogginess. Simple ingredients, elevated by layering flavors and textures.
Stuffed Fire Rockets
Fiery jalapeños, halved and deseeded. Creamy goat cheese swapped in for cream cheese. Sharp smoked gouda replaces cheddar for a tangy kick. Smoky turkey bacon wraps each pepper, secured with a toothpick. Grilled indirectly for 25 to 45 minutes till charred crispy. Less time, more heat. A smoky, tangy, spicy bite with crispy wrapping. Each hand-held, bite-sized pop of heat and cheese that lingers.