Breakfast & Brunch

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Pineapple

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Pineapple
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Pineapple

Dulce de camote, candied sweet potatoes mashed with fruit and topped with toasted nuts, is a cherished dish throughout Mexico, eaten for breakfast with coffee and for dessert.
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: sweet potato
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes scrubbed
  • 1 medium-to-large pineapple peeled, cored, and diced, with its juice
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar or grated piloncillo
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425℉, with a rack in the middle. Cover a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Prick the sweet potatoes 5 or 6 times each with a fork or the tip of a paring knife and arrange on the baking sheet.
  • Bake the sweet potatoes for 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the size, until they are very soft, with juices beginning to ooze and caramelize on the baking sheet. Remove from the oven and let cool until you can handle them.
  • Carefully remove the skins from the sweet potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until very smooth.
  • Place the diced pineapple with all of its juice in a blender, and puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add the brown sugar, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and simmer until the mixture thickens, caramelizes, and reaches 210℉, usually 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the sweet potatoes and salt and mix together thoroughly with a sturdy whisk. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and folding until you have a rich puree.
  • Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts or almonds in a small skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring or shaking the pan, until lightly toasted and fragrant. Immediately remove from the pan.
  • Scrape the sweet potatoes into a serving bowl, garnish with the toasted nuts, and serve.

Notes

Dulce de Camote con Piña

Chaya Egg Scramble

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Chaya Egg Scramble
Print Recipe
3.34 from 3 votes

Chaya Egg Scramble

Chaya and Egg Scramble recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 5 “Ode to the Egg”
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: breakfast, Eggs, Vegetarian
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 4 cups finely sliced chaya leaves may sub with swiss chard, spinach or watercress
  • 10 to 15 fresh mint leaves thinly sliced, or 1/4 teaspoon dried mint
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper or to taste

To serve:

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Once oil is hot and shimmers, add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted but not browned. Incorporate the chaya and mint, mix, and continue cooking for a couple minutes, until completely cooked and wilted.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs and season with the salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, pour the eggs over the onion and chaya mixture and, as they cook, scramble with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until desired doneness. I like my eggs tender, so I cook them for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas, habanero table salsa, ripe avocado slices, and colado black beans or refried beans.

Notes

Huevos Revueltos con Chaya

Motuleño Eggs

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Motuleño Eggs
Print Recipe
4.50 from 4 votes

Motuleño Eggs

Motuleño Eggs recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 5 “Ode to the Egg”
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Antojos, Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Eggs, habanero, peas, Yucatán Peninsula
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, plus 1 teaspoon for the eggs, more if needed
  • 1 white onion finely chopped
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste, plus more for the eggs
  • 4 ounces diced deli ham
  • 1 to 2 fresh habaneros or to taste
  • 3/4 cup fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
  • 1 to 2 very ripe large plantains peeled and cut on the diagonal into 1/4” slices
  • 8 toasted or fried corn tortillas
  • 8 eggs
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Colado Black Beans or refried beans, warmed up
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  • To make the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Once it shimmers, add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it starts to soften, then add the tomatoes and salt. Cook for 15 minutes, with the lid on, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes start to break down and change color.
  • Add the ham and habaneros, cover, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, until the sauce has a more cooked aroma and looks darkened. Add the peas, cover, and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, turn off the heat.
  • To cook the plantains, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the plantain slices and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until softened, cooked through, and beautifully browned and caramelized. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
  • You can crisp the tortillas by shallow frying in a couple of tablespoons of oil, or you may heat them for a few minutes on a dry skillet or comal over medium heat, until completely toasted and crunchy.
  • To cook the eggs, I like to use a small nonstick pan with a lid. Set over medium-low heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once hot, add a couple of cracked eggs at a time, season with salt and pepper and cover with the lid. Cook until egg whites are completely cooked and egg yolks are cooked but still runny if cut with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes. You can also cook the eggs easy over if you prefer.
  • To serve, place two toasted or fried corn tortillas on each plate. Cover them with 1/4 cup warm refried beans. Top one of them with two fried eggs, a generous amount of the tomato sauce, add a chile if you’d like, and sprinkle with queso fresco. Cover with the second tortilla spread with beans, as if it were a crunchy tortilla sandwich. Arrange the plantains on the side and serve at once.

Notes

Huevos Motuleños

Potato Hash with Corn, Chorizo and Eggs

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Potato Hash with Corn, Chorizo and Eggs
Print Recipe
4.17 from 6 votes

Potato Hash with Corn, Chorizo and Eggs

Potato Hash with Corn, Chorizo and Eggs from Pati's Mexican Table Season 11, Episode 7 "Cantina Culture"
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Chorizo, Eggs, Potato
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Mexican chorizo or longaniza casings removed, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños stemmed and sliced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large white onion halved and slivered
  • ¾ pound Yukon Gold or russet potatoes peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 eggs

Instructions

  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the chorizo for about 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until it starts to crisp and brown. Add the corn and jalapeños, stirring to coat in the rendered chorizo fat, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the jalapeños soften and corn begins to brown. Scrape the chorizo, corn, and jalapeños into a bowl and set aside.
  • Pour the olive oil into the same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until they are completely wilted and their edges have begun to brown. Incorporate the potatoes, add ½ teaspoon salt and pepper and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 15 minutes, until the potatoes are completely cooked and mixture has browned a bit more. Incorporate the chorizo, corn and jalapeño mixture.
  • In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Pour over potato and chorizo mixture and cook, stirring to give it your desired scrambled texture and until it cooks to your liking. I like my eggs soft cooked, not runny, but not dry, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve while hot.

Notes

Huevos con Hash de Papa, Elote y Chorizo

Grapefruit Tequila Mimosa

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Grapefruit Tequila Mimosa
Print Recipe
4.50 from 2 votes

Grapefruit Tequila Mimosa

The boozy brunch favorite with a couple twists, using grapefruit juice and adding a splash of tequila.
Cook Time0 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mimosa
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice chilled
  • 1 1/2 ounces Gran Centenario® Plata tequila
  • 1/2 ounce honey
  • 2 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
  • Grapefruit slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the grapefruit juice, tequila, and honey. Shake until well mixed and pour into a mimosa glass. Pour Prosecco or sparkling wine on top. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and serve.

Corn Tortilla Egg Nests

Posted on by Pati Jinich
corn tortilla egg nests
Print Recipe
4.67 from 6 votes

Corn Tortilla Egg Nests

Corn Tortilla Egg Nests recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 10, Episode 8 “The Heart of Tequila”
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, chile de arbol, corn tortillas, cotija cheese, Eggs, mexican crema, Salsa
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 8 homemade corn tortillas fresh from the comal right when they puff
  • 8 eggs
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toppings:

Instructions

  • Follow the process for making the homemade tortillas in the recipe linked in the ingredients. You’ll want to make the nests as you are cooking the tortillas. One by one crack an egg in a ¼ measuring cup that is easy to pour from and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Once the tortilla puffs, make a slit with a sharp knife, such as a paring knife to open the tortilla pocket, make an opening of about 1 to 2 inches. You may use a soup spoon to open the pocket more fully.
  • Pour the cracked egg in the pocket and place back on the comal or pan. Let it cook for a couple minutes. If desired, flip the egg filled tortilla to the other side to cook a couple minutes on the other side, or until desired doneness. You can cook the egg in the tortilla without flipping as well. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and eggs.
  • Place on a plate, cover with the chile de árbol salsa verde and garnish with crumbled queso fresco or Cotija, Mexican crema, and slices of ripe avocado.

Notes

Huevos Tapados al Comal

Conchas

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Conchas
Print Recipe
3.80 from 10 votes

Conchas

Francisco Migoya’s Conchas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 10, Episode 7 “Getting to the Roots”
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Antojos, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: sugar, vanilla
Servings: 15 conchas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • ½ cup (115g) whole milk, cold
  • ⅓ cup (75g) water
  • 2 teaspoons (8g) instant dry yeast
  • 3½ cups (480g) bread flour
  • 4 eggs cold (190g)
  • ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter softened
  • ⅓ cup, plus 2 teaspoons, (75g), sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons (12g) fine salt
  • 2½ teaspoons (10g) vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • 1¾ cups (200g) powdered sugar
  • 1⅔ cups (200g) pastry flour
  • ¾ cup, plus 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon (200g) vegetable shortening
  • 2½ teaspoons (10g) vanilla extract

Optional flavorings:

  • ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons (60g) any freeze-dried fruit powder such as dragon fruit
  • ¼ cup, plus 2 teaspoons (30g) cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons (12g) matcha powder
  • 1⅛ teaspoons (3g) any powdered spice such as cinnamon, pumpkin spice mix, etc.
  • 1½ teaspoons (3g) any citrus zest
  • 1½ teaspoons (3g) any tea finely ground

Instructions

To make the dough:

  • Dissolve the yeast in the milk and water in an electric mixer bowl using a whisk. Put the remaining ingredients on top. Start mixing on low speed using the hook attachment.
  • Once the dough ingredients have formed a homogenous mass, turn the speed up to medium high for 10-15 minutes until the dough reaches full gluten development. To check if the dough has reached this stage, first check if the dough looks smooth and uniform in the mixer. The second is whether the dough is “slapping” the sides of the bowl while it mixes. The third and definite test is to perform the windowpane test, which consists in taking a small piece of dough and gently stretching it with your fingers to get it to stretch as thinly as possible without tearing. If it can form a thin translucent membrane without tearing, the dough is ready to come off the mixer.
  • While the dough mixes, prepare a flat sheet pan by lining it with a lightly oiled non-stick rubber mat or plastic wrap.
  • After mixing the dough, take it out of the mixer and place it on a flat work surface area that has been lightly greased with spray oil to keep it from sticking. Perform a four-fold on the dough (this consists of flattening the dough with the palms of your hand into a square or rectangle shape as best as you possibly can folding each end in towards the center of the dough to create a smooth surface), then place the folded dough on the prepared sheet pan, seam side down.
  • Lightly oil the surface of the dough with spray oil and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Flatten the dough as best you can to about 1 inch/2.5cm using the palms of your hands. Cover the dough again with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight in refrigeration.

Meanwhile, make the topping:

  • Sift the powdered sugar and flour together in a mixer bowl, then add the shortening on top plus the vanilla extract and whatever additional optional flavorings. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together to form one mass.
  • Place the concha topping dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll the dough out to 4mm. Place on a sheet pan and into the freezer for 15 minutes (this helps with achieving a clean cut disc).
  • Cut the cold concha topping with a 2.4 inch/6 cm round cutter (weighing about 15g each). Place each topping disc on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silpat and keep at room temperature until needed. If you are not using within 6-8 hours, wrap the sheet pan in plastic and place in refrigeration. It is important to note, when going to assemble the topping onto the dough balls, the topping must be at room temperature so it can be secured easily to the dough and stamped/scored in an even and clear design.
  • Alternatively, you can form the concha topping into 15g balls and reserve on a small sheet pan, wrapped with plastic, at room temperature, until needed. If you are not going to use the topping that day, keep it wrapped well with plastic in refrigeration.

To assemble the conchas:

  • Once it’s time to take the concha dough out of the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap and flip it out onto a clean worktable. Peel off the non-stick rubber mat or plastic wrap that was used to line the sheet pan. Using a bench scraper or small knife, divide the dough into 70g pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
  • Place the dough balls onto three or four separate half sheet pans lined with oiled parchment paper with enough space between the dough balls to expand during proofing and eventually baking; five balls maximum per sheet pan, ideally four if you have enough sheet pans.
  • Take one disc of previously rolled out and cut concha topping. Center and place on top of a dough ball then press down lightly so it attaches well to the top and sides of the dough.
  • NOTE: If you do not roll out and pre-cut your concha topping, you can also use a tortilla press or your hands. Place a 15g room temperature ball of concha topping between two lightly oiled plastic sheets and press it gently using a tortilla press to about 2.4 inch/6 cm. If you do not have a tortilla press, press the topping with your hands, that are lightly oiled, until you achieve the proper diameter disc. Center and place the concha topping disc on the dough then press down lightly so it attaches well to the top and sides of the dough.
  • Directly after securing a disc of topping on the dough, use a concha cutter and press it onto the topping, forming the traditional shell-like pattern. If you do not have this cutter, use the tip of a paring knife to score the pattern on the topping. Continue, one at a time, securing a topping disc to the dough and stamping/scoring the topping directly after.
  • NOTE: It helps to achieve a nice even design with the topping if it is stamped/scored right after placing on the dough while the topping is still room temperature. Since the dough is cold, the topping quickly takes on that temperature as well making it firmer. The colder the topping gets, the more difficult it is to achieve a nice design on your conchas.
  • Proof the dough: If you are doing this at room temperature, cover the dough with a lightly tented clean plastic bag or a clean kitchen towel. It will take between 2-3 hours. If proofing in a fermenter/proof box, set it to 27℃/80℉ with 75% relative humidity it will take 1-1.5 hours.
  • During the last 30 minutes of proofing, turn a convection oven on to 175℃/350℉ or a still (home) oven to 190℃/375℉.
  • Bake in the convection or still oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Conchas, recipe courtesy of Francisco Migoya

Roasted Tomatoes on Everything

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Roasted Tomatoes on Everything
Print Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes

Roasted Tomatoes on Everything

These roasted tomatoes can be used on avocado toast, pasta, grilled asparagus, an egg scramble or a cheese omelet.
Cook Time45 minutes
Servings: 2 cups approximately
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe cherry tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 dried chiles de árbol stemmed, thinly sliced
  • 3 to 4 shallots about 1/2 pound, outer layer peeled, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Set the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
  • On a small baking sheet, combine the tomatoes, chiles de árbol, shallots, garlic, oil, salt and pepper and toss to combine.
  • Place in the oven and roast for 45 to 50 minutes, until tomatoes have completely softened and almost fallen apart and are charred on the outside.
  • The roasted tomatoes can be used on avocado toast, pasta, grilled asparagus, an egg scramble or a cheese omelet.
  • Note: It is important that the tomatoes be ripe for full flavor. If they seem hard or a bit unripe, leave them in a bowl on your countertop for a few days so they can continue ripening until fully colored and softened. 

Notes

Jitomatitos Rostizados para Todo

Divorced Eggs

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Divorced Eggs
Print Recipe
4 from 5 votes

Huevos Divorciados

A classic Mexican way of eating eggs, served sunny side up with salsa roja over one egg and salsa verde over the other egg.
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Eggs, Salsa
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil
  • 8 corn tortillas store-bought or homemade
  • 8 large eggs at room temperature
  • Kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 2 cups salsa verde homemade or store-bought, heated
  • 2 cups salsa ranchera or salsa roja, homemade or store-bought, heated
  • 2 cups refried beans homemade or store-bought, heated
  • 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or Cotija, farmer cheese, or mild feta

Instructions

  • Heat ¼ inch of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. The oil is ready if when you dip the edge of a tortilla into it, it bubbles happily around the edges without going wild. Using tongs, dip the tortillas one at a time in the oil for 10 to 15 seconds per side. The tortillas will first appear to soften and then begin to crisp. Drain on paper towels and cover with aluminum foil or an inverted plate to keep warm. (Alternatively, you can lightly toast the tortillas on a well-heated comal or in a skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.)
  • Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil you used for the tortillas if you fried them. If you toasted the tortillas, add 2 tablespoons oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Crack 2 eggs into the pan, sprinkle with salt to taste, and cook to your preferred doneness. Keep warm while you repeat with the remaining eggs.
  • To serve, place 2 of the warmed tortillas on four plates and top with 2 eggs. Ladle a generous amount of green sauce over one of the eggs on each plate and red sauce over the other. Serve with the refried beans on the side and a sprinkling of the cheese.

Notes

Divorced Eggs

Wild Crunchy Granola

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Wild Crunchy Granola
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Wild Crunchy Granola

A crunchy granola loaded with nuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas, amaranth, and quinoa. You can sweeten it up with dried cherries, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes as you please. 
Cook Time55 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: granola
Servings: 6 to 7 cups
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans very coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup raw cashews very coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shelled, unsalted peanuts very coarsely chopped
  • 2/3 cup hulled, raw pumpkin seeds or pepitas
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup amaranth
  • 1/3 cup white quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup safflower oil
  • 1/2 cup dried sour cherries optional to taste
  • Bittersweet chocolate chips optional to taste
  • Sweetened coconut flakes optional to taste

Instructions

  • Set the baking rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, add the rolled oats, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, amaranth seeds, and quinoa along with the salt. Toss to combine. 
  • In a small saucepan, combine the honey with the oil. Set over low heat and stir for a minute or so, until completely dissolved. 
  • Pour the honey and oil mixture over the nuts and seeds mixture and toss to coat. Spread over the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake until lightly golden brown, about 55 minutes, stirring once in between.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool. Scrape onto a bowl and add the dried sour cherries, chocolate chips and coconut flakes to taste. Store in a closed container with a tight lid.
  • Use the granola as a snack to munch on its own, on top of yogurt, ice cream, over fruit, or mixed with queso fresco or on top of fresh ricotta cheese.

Notes

Granola crujiente

Corn, Cheese and Chile Verde Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Corn, Cheese and Chile Verde Tamales
Print Recipe
3.67 from 9 votes

Corn, Cheese and Chile Verde Tamales

Corn, Cheese and Chile Verde Tamales recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 9, Episode 10 "Sabores Norteños"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, cheese, chile verde, Corn, corn husks, elote, masa, Mexico, pati’s mexican table, poblanos, queso, rajas, Sonora, Sonoran, tamal, Tamales
Servings: 15 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the fresh corn masa:

  • 4 cups white corn kernels fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup corn flour for tamales or masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the filling:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup slivered white onion
  • 1 pound fresh Anaheim chiles roasted, sweated, peeled, stemmed, seeded and cleaned, sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

To assemble the tamales:

  • 30 dried corn husks plus more for lining the steamer
  • 1 1/2 cups grated melting cheese such as asadero, quesadilla, Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella

Instructions

To make the fresh corn masa:

  • Coarsely puree the corn kernels along with the evaporated milk in a food processor or blender. The mixture should be a bit chunky, not completely smooth.
  • Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat at medium speed until very soft and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and beaters.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the masa harina, the baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternate adding the ground corn mixture with the masa harina mixture. Once all is incorporated, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, increase the speed to medium and continue beating until completely amalgamated, creamy and fluffy, about 7 to 8 more minutes.

To make the filling:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the sliced roasted Anaheim chiles, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are very soft and all of the flavors have combined. Remove from the heat and scrape into a bowl.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Remove about 30 good size corn husks from the package and place in a large bowl of hot water. Soak for a couple of minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. One by one, lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. If the husks seem thin, layer a second corn husk on top. Leaving a 1 to 1 1/2-inch space at the bottom, a minimum of 1/2 inch space on the sides and a little more than that at the top, spread about 1/4 cup masa into an approximately 2×3-inch rectangle. The masa layer will be a little thicker than 1/4 inch. Place a very generous tablespoon of the Anaheim and onion filling along with a very generous tablespoon of the grated cheese lengthwise down the middle of the masa.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa swaddles the filling) and fold the joined edges to one side, rolling them around the tamal. Fold up the empty tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. If the tamale won’t hold, you can tear strips from unused tamale wrappers and tie them around the bottom. Gently press from the bottom to the top to even the filling out, without squeezing too hard.
  • If not steaming right away, place on a plate or sheet pan, cover with plastic, and refrigerate. You can assemble them a day ahead of steaming. You can also steam them ahead and reheat (see below).
  • To prepare the tamalera or steamer: Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. If you want to be reassured that the water hasn’t all evaporated during the long steaming time, place a penny in it so you can hear it dancing around. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can in the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, cover tightly with a lid, and steam covered for 1 1/2 hours. Allow the finished tamales to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. You know the tamales are ready when they come away easily from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks, you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead and stored for several days in the refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.

Notes

Tamales de Elote con Rajas y Queso

Lobster Chilaquiles

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Lobster Chilaquiles
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Lobster Chilaquiles

Lobster Chilaquiles recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 6 "El Fuerte, Magic Town"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chilaquiles, Chipotle, cilantro, corn tortillas, jalapeno, lobsters, mexican crema, morita chiles, onion, pati’s mexican table, queso fresco, tomatillos, Tomatoes, tortilla chips
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the salsa:

  • 2 to 3 dried morita or chipotle chiles
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 6 ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 12 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1/2 white onion cut into large pieces
  • 2 to 3 fresh jalapeños stemmed
  • 3 unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the tortilla chips:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 12 corn tortillas cut into triangles
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste

For the lobsters:

  • 4 1- and-a-quarter to 1-and-a-half pound live lobsters or you can substitute thawed lobster tails

For the toppings:

  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Mexican crema to taste

Instructions

To make the salsa:

  • Place the morita chiles in a small bowl, cover with hot water, and let them sit and soften for at least 10 minutes.
  • Place the tomatoes, tomatillos, onion chunks, jalapeños, and unpeeled garlic cloves on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Place under the broiler and roast 12 to 15 minutes, flipping a couple times in between, until the skin of tomatoes and tomatillos has completely blistered and charred, they seem very mushy, and their juices have started to come out. The garlic cloves and chiles must also have blackened and charred. Remove from the broiler and let cool.
  • When cool enough to handle, peel the garlic cloves and place in a blender along with the jalapeños, tomatoes, tomatillos, and onion. Take the morita chiles out of the soaking water, remove their stems and seeds, and add to the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Add salt and puree until completely smooth. If you want, you can add the chiles one at a time and taste for heat.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat one tablespoon oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the salsa and quickly cover partially with a lid, as it will splatter all over the place. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring a couple times in between.

To make the tortilla chips:

  • Place rack in the middle of oven and preheat to 375°F.
  • Brush a baking sheet with a couple tablespoons oil. Spread the tortilla pieces all over and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste. Bake the tortilla chips for 25 to 30 minutes or until crisp and golden brown, flipping in between. Remove from the oven when ready.

To cook the lobsters:

  • Place lobsters on a baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • When ready to cook, place a lobster in the center of a chopping board with the head towards you (you can put some paper towels or a thin kitchen towel under so it will be steady and will soak up any juices that come out). Hold the lobster tightly in place by the tail and place the tip of a very sharp knife where the head separates from the body, with the sharp edge of the knife facing the head. With much determination jab the tip of the knife in and pull the blade down straight between the eyes and onto the chopping board. Repeat with the other 3 lobsters.
  • Then, flip the lobsters over and cut the tail right down the middle. Clean the inner parts with a spoon.
  • Preheat an outdoor or indoor grill, or grill pan, on medium-high heat. Generously brush the lobsters with the prepared salsa. Place cut side down flat on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip to the other side, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Leave 4 halves of the lobsters intact, just as they came off the grill. Remove the meat from the remaining 4 halves, both from the tail and the claws and coarsely chop.

To make the queso topping:

  • In a small bowl, combine the crumbled queso, white onion, and cilantro.

To assemble:

  • Pour the salsa into a large bowl, add the tortilla chips and chopped lobster meat and toss. Divide the chilaquiles among 4 plates and place one of the intact lobster halves on each. Top with the queso topping and Mexican crema to taste.

Notes

Chilaquiles con Langosta

Sinaloa Steak and Eggs over Potato Hash with Roasted Salsita

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Sinaloa Steak and Eggs over Potato Hash with Roasted Salsita
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Sinaloa Steak and Eggs over Potato Hash with Roasted Salsita

Sinaloa Steak and Eggs over Potato Hash with Roasted Salsita recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 8 “El Chepe, Railway to the Past”
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, Chorizo, Eggs, onion, pati’s mexican table, potato hash, steak
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 1 pound Mexican chorizo casings removed, chopped
  • 2 cups thinly sliced white onion
  • 3/4 pound about 4 Anaheim chiles roasted, sweated, peeled, and cut into small strips
  • 2 pounds sirloin steak fat trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 eggs
  • Butter or oil for cooking eggs
  • Potato Hash Cake
  • Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsita

Instructions

  • In a large casserole or saute pan set over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Once hot, cook the chorizo for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with the help of a couple wooden spoons or spatulas, until crisped and browned. Transfer the cooked chorizo to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.
  • Put another tablespoon of oil in the same pan, add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it wilts and starts to brown along the edges. Incorporate the roasted Anaheim chiles and cook for another minute. Scrape into the bowl with the chorizo.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the hot pan and raise the heat to high. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Once the oil is very hot, add the steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning, until browned all over. Incorporate the chorizo, chile, and onion mix, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  • Cook the eggs, sunny side up, until desired doneness. Serve with a piece of potato hash cake
  • To serve, place a piece of potato hash cake on each plate, spoon on a generous amount of the steak and chorizo mixture, and top with sunny side up eggs and roasted tomato and jalapeño salsita.

Notes

Carne y Huevos con Hash de Papa y Salsita Asada

Potato Hash Cake

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Potato Hash Cake
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Potato Hash Cake

Potato Hash Cake recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 8 “El Chepe, Railway to the Past”
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: onion, pati’s mexican table, potato hash, potatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter to grease the baking dish
  • 4 pounds red bliss potatoes peeled and grated
  • 1/2 white onion grated
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus more to dust the baking dish
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Olive oil to brush the top of the potato hash

Instructions

  • Grease a small baking dish or quarter sheet pan with butter and dust all over with flour, shaking off any excess flour.
  • Set rack in the middle of the oven and preheat at 400°F.
  • Place the grated potatoes in a strainer and press out as much moisture as you can — repeat a couple times until almost dry. In a medium bowl, mix the strained potatoes, onion, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and baking powder very well.
  • Press the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Brush olive oil generously over the top.
  • Place in the oven and bake until completely cooked and golden brown on top and bottom, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Notes

Hash de Papa al Horno

Chocolate Dipped Orejas

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Orejas
Print Recipe
3.84 from 6 votes

Chocolate Dipped Orejas

Chocolate Dipped Orejas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 8 “El Chepe, Railway to the Past”
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: canela, Chocolate, cinnamon, cookies, pati’s mexican table, puff pastry
Servings: 40 orejas approximately
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground canela or true cinnamon
  • 1 large pinch of kosher or sea salt
  • All-purpose flour for dusting the countertop and rolling pin
  • 1 recipe Easy Homemade Puff Pastry
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate chopped, or chocolate chips
  • Rainbow sprinkles optional

Instructions

  • Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 425°Line 4 baking sheets with parchment paper (or cook in batches).
  • Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle a light coating of flour on your countertop, then spread 1 cup of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, right where the puff pastry will go. Place the puff pastry in the center of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Lightly flour your rolling pin and roll the puff pastry out into a large rectangle, about 12-by-26-inches with a 1/4-inch thickness, adding a bit of flour as needed while you roll. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Mark a line horizontally across the center of the puff pastry with a knife or ruler, without cutting all the way through. Roll the bottom of the puff pastry toward the center line, creating a layered spiral. Repeat with the top of the puff pastry, rolling in toward the center line, then press both rolls towards the center. The shape should resemble a pretzel.
  • Cut in half horizontally, across the two rolls, and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Scrape any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture onto a small plate.
  • Slice the chilled rolls into 1/2-inch slices. Dip both sides of slices in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and place on a baking sheet, making sure to leave about an inch between the slices.
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip the orejas, and return to the oven (swapping the baking sheet that was on top with the bottom). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more, until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a metal cooling rack and cool completely.
  • While the orejas are cooling, bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a small pot. Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. If using rainbow sprinkles, place them on a small plate.
  • Dip the tops of the orejas in the chocolate. If using rainbow sprinkles, lightly press the chocolate-dipped side into the sprinkles and return to the rack. Repeat with about half of the remaining cookies, leaving some plain, some chocolate dipped, and some dipped and with sprinkles.
  • Note: If you do not want to bake all of them at once, you may store the rolled oreja dough tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for a couple days, or freeze in a tight plastic bag for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Notes

Orejas con Chocolate

Traditional Capirotada with Mango and Plantains

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Traditional Capirotada with Mango and Plantains
Print Recipe
4.38 from 8 votes

Traditional Capirotada with Mango and Plantains

Traditional Capirotada with Mango and Plantains recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 7 “Jinetes, Adventure in the Mountains”
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: baguette, banana, bolillo, bread, brown sugar, canela, capirotada, ceylon, cinnamon, cloves, cotija cheese, mango, pati’s mexican table, Peanuts, piloncillo, Plantains, raisins, star anise, telera
Servings: 10 to 12 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 5 to 6 bolillos teleras or Portuguese buns, or 1 large baguette cut into 1-inch slices
  • 1 pound piloncillo grated, or substitute for 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 stick canela ceylon or true cinnamon
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 quarts (or 8 cups) water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 ripe plantains peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices (about 3 cups)
  • 1 to 2 large ripe mangoes peeled and sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup finely crumbled or grated queso Cotija
  • 2/3 cups roasted peanuts
  • Confectioners’ sugar for serving

Instructions

  • Place racks on upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
  • Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small pan. Brush the surface of two large baking sheets with some of the melted butter and place the bread slices onto the buttered baking sheets in a single layer. Use the remaining butter to brush on top of the bread slices. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on the bottom and remove from the oven.
  • In a medium saucepan, place the piloncillo, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and raisins, cover with the 8 cups of water, and set over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, stir occasionally, and let simmer for 30 minutes or until reduced by half. Turn off the heat. With a slotted spoon, remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and, cloves and discard. Set the piloncillo syrup aside.
  • Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to a large saute pan set over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, cook the plantain slices in a couple batches for about a minute per side, or until golden brown on both sides. Place the browned plantains on a paper towel covered plate and set aside.
  • Use the remaining tablespoon of butter to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a third of the bread to make the first layer covering the bottom of the baking dish. Distribute all around half of the plantains, half of the mango, half of the Cotija, and half of the peanuts. Pour on about a third of the piloncillo syrup. Start another layer, adding a third of the bread and the remaining half of the plantains, mango, Cotija, and peanuts. Pour another third of the syrup, trying to get all of the raisins in. Finally, cover with the remaining third of the bread and pour the rest of the syrup on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Set oven rack in the middle of the oven. Bake the capirotada for 25 minutes, then remove it from the oven, carefully uncover, and press down with a spatula so it all bakes in the syrup. Cover again with aluminum foil and return to the oven. After another 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and bake for about 10 minutes more so the top browns. Cool slightly before serving and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

Notes

Capirotada con Mango y Plátano Macho

Border Pintos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Border Pintos
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Border Pintos

Border Pintos from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7,  Episode 4 "Baja Breakfast"
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chorizo, pati's mexican table, pinto beans
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pinto beans rinsed
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 pound Mexican chorizo casings removed, chopped
  • 1/2 pound thick sliced bacon chopped
  • 1 ripe Roma tomato cored and diced
  • 2 to 3 poblano chiles charred, sweated, skin removed, cut into strips
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled, for garnish

Instructions

To cook the pintos:

  • Place rinsed pintos in a large pot, cover with 3 liters of water, drop in the onion half and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and keep at a constant simmer, covering partially with a lid, for an hour. Check the beans from time to time to make sure they are not drying out. If they are, add a couple cups of hot water. Once they are cooked and soft, and should be very soupy, add the salt, remove the onion, stir and set aside.

Note:

  • You may substitute for 2 15-ounce cans of already cooked pintos. Heat with 2 cups water, season with salt to taste and set aside.

To make the Border Pintos:

  • Heat the oil in an extended skillet or casserole over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chorizo and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has started to brown and has rendered its fat. Add the bacon, stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until it begins to brown. Add the tomato and poblanos, stir and cook for a couple minutes. Incorporate the cooked pintos and all their cooking broth, let them come to a simmer, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Until the beans are nicely seasoned, all the flavors have come together, and you see some lovely puddles of red fat over the top. Turn off heat. Crumble the queso fresco over the top before serving.

Notes

Frijoles Fronterizos

Dance with your Wife Guajillo Migas

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Dance with your Wife Guajillo Migas
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Dance with your Wife Guajillo Migas

Dance with your Wife Guajillo Migas recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 4 "Baja Breakfast"
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, Brunch, Eggs, Guajillo, Mexican, Migas, Tomato
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the tortilla chips:

  • 12 Corn Tortillas cut into rectangles or bite size pieces
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Kosher or sea salt to season the chips

For the guajillo salsa:

  • 3 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3/4 pound (or 12 ounces) ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of the stems
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

For the migas:

  • 5 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 scallions white and light green parts thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 ripe avocado pitted and sliced

Instructions

To make the tortilla chips:

  • Heat enough oil to reach 1” in a heavy bottomed skillet or casserole, set over medium heat, for at least 5 minutes. Test the oil with a tortilla piece, once the oil is actively bubbling around the tortilla, it is ready. Add a batch of the cut tortillas without overcrowding the pan; they shouldn’t be on top of each other. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until they crisp up and achieve a golden color (don’t let them brown or they will burn). Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and place on a plate covered with paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle on salt to taste and continue with the rest of the tortilla pieces in batches until done. Reserve the frying oil.

To make the guajillo salsa:

  • Place the chiles, garlic and tomatoes in a saucepan, cover with water and set over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy, and the chiles are rehydrated. Place the cooked chiles, garlic and tomatoes into the jar of a blender, along with ½ cup of their cooking liquid, the cilantro, and salt, and puree until completely smooth.

To make the migas:

  • In an extended skillet or casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from frying the tortilla pieces and set over medium heat. Once hot, add all the tortilla chips and let them reheat for a minute or two. Pour in the beaten eggs, and once they begin to set, add the guajillo salsa. Gently begin to fold until everything is covered with the salsa, and the eggs are cooked, just a couple minutes. Remove from the heat, top with scallions, cilantro and avocado. Serve.

Notes

Migas en Salsa de Guajillo a la Baila con tu Mujer

Dulce de Leche Ricotta Pancakes

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Dulce de Leche Caramel Ricotta Pancakes
Print Recipe
4.45 from 9 votes

Dulce de Leche Ricotta Pancakes

Dulce de Leche Ricotta Pancakes from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 4 "Baja Breakfast"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Cajeta, Caramel, Dulce de Leche, pancakes, pati's mexican table, ricotta
Servings: 10 to 12 small pancakes
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta or requesón cheese
  • 1 cup Dulce de Leche or Cajeta
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • Butter or vegetable oil to cook pancakes
  • confectioners' sugar
  • Fruit of your choice such as berries, mango or bananas

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Dulce de Leche and eggs until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, mix well until completely incorporated. Lastly, add the lime juice and zest, mix again.
  • Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for at least 5 minutes. Once hot, add enough butter or oil to cover surface. Ladle ¼ cup pancake batter per pancake, cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the second side. Serve sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar and fruit of your choice.

Notes

Pancakes de Ricotta con Dulce de Leche

Bananas and Raspberries in Lime Syrup

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Bananas and Raspberries in Lime Syrup
Print Recipe
4.60 from 5 votes

Bananas and Raspberries in Lime Syrup

Bananas and Raspberries in Lime Syrup from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 4 "Baja Breakfast"
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: banana, fruit, lime, pati's mexican table, raspberries
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 bananas peeled, sliced
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated piloncillo or brown sugar or to taste
  • 1 tablespoons fresh mint torn

Instructions

  • Add banana and raspberries to a medium bowl. Sprinkle in the lime juice, lime zest, and piloncillo over the fruit and toss until coated. Sprinkle with fresh mint.

Notes

Plátano y Frambuesas con Jarabe de Limón

Dulce de Leche Banana Bread

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Dulce de Leche Caramel Banana Bread
Print Recipe
4 from 7 votes

Dulce de Leche Banana Bread

Dulce de Leche Banana Bread from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 2 "Tijuana: Stories from the Border"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: banana bread, Cajeta, Dulce de Leche, pati's mexican table
Servings: 8 to 10 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature plus more to grease the pan
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ripe bananas peeled, sliced and completely mashed
  • 1/2 cup Dulce de Leche or Cajeta
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • For garnish confectioners' sugar

Instructions

  • Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9”x5” nonstick loaf pan with butter.
  • In the bowl of a standing mixer, set with the paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and continue beating until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating for a couple minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add the flour mixture ¼ cup at a time. Continue beating until well incorporated. You will have a very dry batter.
  • Remove a third of the batter and set aside in a separate bowl. Add the mashed bananas to the remaining batter in the mixer bowl and continue beating until the batter is fluffy and mixed. Pour the banana batter into the prepared pan.
  • Rinse the mixer bowl and paddle attachment. Add the reserved batter and the Dulce de Leche to the mixer bowl and beat at medium speed, for a minute, until blended. Reduce speed, pour in the boiling water and continue beating until completely smooth. Pour the dulce de leche caramel batter in the pan over the banana batter.
  • Place in the oven and bake for an hour, until the top is puffed up, golden brown and a toothpick comes out moist but not wet on a corner of the bread. Remove from the oven, let cool and flip out of the pan onto a platter. Garnish with confectioners’ sugar. Once it has cooled completely, cover it, so it retains and even gains more moisture.

Notes

Pan de Plátano con Dulce de Leche

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Just when you think you completely understand something, life proves you wrong. Does that happen to you? It happens to me all the time, especially when it comes to food.

A cuisine as rich and diverse as Mexico’s needs for us to make an effort to preserve what has been passed on. But, you also have to keep an open mind to new ideas that may in turn become classics.

In that sense, I find the kitchen to be one of the most humbling places because food is always growing and evolving and taking you along, if you let it. You get to constantly learn, apply what you learn, share it, and then start all over again.

Take tamales for example. I have made countless kinds from all regions of Mexico and from different historical times. I have wrapped them in dried and fresh corn husks, banana leaves, hoja santa leaves…practically any and every edible leaf I know of in Mexico. I have learned to make them with raw masa, with masa colada, with rice flour masa, with normal wheat flour masa and even with no masa! I have done savory and sweet, with fillings that range from picadillo to marzipan and beyond. You name it, I have probably tried it.

I thought I had the tamales from the city of Oaxaca nailed down. Then, a few months ago, as we were filming Season 6 of Pati’s Mexican Table there, I was amazed to try a new tamal at Criollo, Chef Luis Arellano’s new restaurant. Its masa was made with pumpkin and filled with sweet refried beans laced with piloncillo. The only way to describe it is brilliant!

Back in my kitchen, I was inspired by the possibility of not only flavoring the masa, but enriching it with a starchy vegetable to lend taste, consistency and color. I came up with this sweet potato tamal filled with savory refried beans.

When the time came to test and play around with it, I was reminded of how important it is to appreciate the lessons that have stood the test of time. In the case of tamales: to review our technique for steaming, for assembling, for achieving a good masa. So we can still call our new creation something worthy of the name TAMAL.

Given the addition of the starchy sweet potatoes, I ended up having to test the idea quite a few times to achieve a very fluffy, yet tasty masa.

In the end, I am very happy with this one! The masa is puffy and moist, and its barely sweet flavor contrasts nicely with the savory, earthy taste of the refried beans. I also took the liberty of drizzling them with crema and topping with salty queso fresco.

Pati Jinich sweet potato black bean tamales
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

I thought I had the tamales from the city of Oaxaca nailed down. Then, a few months ago, as we were filming Season 6 of Pati’s Mexican Table there, I was amazed to try a new tamal at Criollo, Chef Luis Arellano’s new restaurant. Its masa was made with pumpkin and filled with sweet refried beans laced with piloncillo. The only way to describe it is brilliant! Back in my kitchen, I was inspired by the possibility of not only flavoring the masa, but enriching it with a starchy vegetable to lend taste, consistency and color. I came up with this sweet potato tamal filled with savory refried beans.
Prep Time1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: black beans, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, sweet potato, Tamales
Servings: 12 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina (such as Maseca)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 24 dried corn husks
  • 2 cups refried beans
  • 1 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until completely cooked and soft. Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open and scoop out the cooked pulp into a bowl. Set aside to cool.

To make the tamal masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a mixer, and beat over medium speed until very light, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add baking powder and sugar, and take turns adding the corn masa flour and the broth. Raise speed back to medium and continue beating another 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is homogeneous. In batches, add the cooled sweet potato pulp and continue beating for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the masa looks fluffed up.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 1/3 cup masa into about a 2” to 3” square, the layer should be about 1/4” thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2” on the sides. Place about 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold them to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. Gently squeeze from the bottom to the top to even the filling out without pressing to hard. As you assemble all the tamales, place them as upright as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 55 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks – you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • You can serve with a spoonful of Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top.

Notes

Tamales de Camote con Frijol

Señor Breakfast Sandwich

Posted on by Pati Jinich

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4.84 from 6 votes

Señor Breakfast Sandwich

Señor Breakfast Sandwich recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 12 "Cheesy" 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chipotles in adobo, Eggs, ham, Oaxaca cheese, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the chipotle béchamel:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more to butter baking sheet
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cup cold milk
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo sauce or chopped chipotles in adobo
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the sandwiches:

  • 8 slices of sandwich bread
  • 1 1/3 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or 8 slices of muenster
  • 8 thin slices of baked ham
  • 8 eggs
  • Vegetable oil for cooking the eggs
  • Slices of ripe avocado for garnish

Instructions

To make the chipotle béchamel:

  • In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it begins to bubble, incorporate the flour. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns into a paste and begins to smell toasty, and the color begins to turn amber.
  • Add the cold milk and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the Dijon, chipotles in adobo, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well. Once it has reached the desired thickness, about the consistency of a pudding, turn off the heat and set aside.

To make the sandwiches:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a baking sheet.
  • Place the slices of bread on the baking sheet and spread a couple tablespoons of the chipotle béchamel onto 4 slices. Put a couple slices of ham onto each of the other 4 slices of bread. Top all 8 slices of bread with cheese, splitting about 1/3 cup of shredded cheese per sandwich. Place in the oven and bake until bread is toasty and cheese is melted, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, set small skillet over low heat. Once hot, add a few drops of oil. Once the oil is hot, 2 at a time, crack the eggs into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook until desired doneness. I do about 4 minutes for sunny side up eggs with runny yolks and set egg whites.
  • Remove the sandwiches from oven, close the sandwiches and put a pair of sunny side up eggs on top.

Notes

Señor Sándwich

Sopes

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich sopes
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Sopes

Sopes recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 10 "How I Got to Now"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cotija, queso fresco, refried beans, sopes, Tomatillo Salsita
Servings: 12 sopes
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

To make the Sopes:

  • 2 cups masa harina or corn tortilla flour such as Maseca
  • 2 cups water more if needed
  • Pinch kosher or coarse sea salt

To serve:

Instructions

  • Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat until very hot.

To make the sopes:

  • Combine the masa harina, water and salt, kneading in a revolving motion with your hands. Knead for a couple of minutes, until dough is smooth and has no lumps. If it feels too dry, add a bit more water.
  • Divide the dough into 12 balls, each about 2-inches in diameter. Line the bottom of a tortilla press with circles cut from a thin plastic bag (like the ones from the produce section of your grocery store). One at a time, place a ball of dough onto the plastic lining the bottom of the tortilla press, and top with another layer of plastic. Press down to make a flat disk as thick as a pancake, about 1/4-inch thick (much thicker than a tortilla). You can also flatten and form them by hand. Repeat with all 12 balls.
  • As you make them, place each sope on the hot comal or skillet. Let them cook about one to two minutes on each side, until opaque and speckled, and they can be flipped without sticking.
  • Take them off the comal and place them on a chopping board. Using a kitchen towel to protect your fingers, make a rim around each sope by pressing and pinching with your fingers along the edges. Return them to the comal or skillet, and let them cook for one or two more minutes per side, until thoroughly cooked.
  • If eaten the same day, they may be kept wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. If not, wrap them in a kitchen towel or paper towel, and store inside a closed plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days, afterwards they will turn too hard. Reheat on hot comal or skillet for a couple minutes before eating. They can also be frozen and kept for months.

To serve:

  • Once the sopes have been thoroughly cooked and warmed, place on a platter and add a generous tablespoon of refried beans, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, chopped onion and Quick Roasted Salsita. Salsa may be left on the side for people to add as much as they like.

Eggs in Salsa Martajada

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich eggs in salsa martajada
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4 from 6 votes

Eggs in Salsa Martajada

Eggs in Salsa Martajada recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 9 "Oaxaca Breakfast: Messy & Delicious"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: banana chiles, chiles de agua, Eggs, pati's mexican table, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 5 banana chiles or 2 chiles de agua
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt plus more to season the eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus 2 teaspoons to cook the eggs
  • 12 eggs

Instructions

  • Place the tomatoes and chiles on a sheet pan and under the broiler, or on an already heated comal, griddle or skillet set over medium heat. Roast or char for 10 minutes, flipping in between, until completely charred, cooked and mushy.
  • Place the chiles in a plastic bag, close tightly and let them sweat. After 10 to 15 minutes, peel off their skin under a thin stream of water. Then make a slit down the sides of the chiles with a knife and remove the seeds. Cut them into horizontal slices.
  • In the jar of a blender, place the charred tomatoes and their juices, 1 of the cleaned banana peppers, and the salt. Pulse for only a few seconds, until coarse, rustic and chunky (not a smooth puree).
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or casserole set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salsa and incorporate the remaining slices of chile. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat the eggs in 2 batches of 6 eggs each and season with salt. Heat one teaspoon oil in a non-stick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the first batch of 6 scrambled eggs and cook as you would a messy omelet. Once cooked but still tender, about 2 to 3 minutes later, scrape onto casserole with salsa. Repeat with the second batch of eggs. Cover the eggs with the salsa and serve.

Notes

Huevos en Salsa Martajada

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans

Posted on by Pati Jinich

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4.37 from 11 votes

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 9 "Oaxaca Breakfast: Messy & Delicious"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: black beans, epazote, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, refried beans
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound black beans rinsed
  • 1 white onion halved
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • A couple sprigs fresh epazote or cilantro
  • 5 dried avocado leaves
  • 3 dried chiles de arbol
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
  • For garnish queso fresco
  • For garnish ripe avocado

Instructions

  • Place the black beans and the onion in a large soup pot or casserole and add enough water to cover by at least 2- to 3-inches. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and cover with a lid, leaving it slightly open. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes – making sure there is always sufficient water (if you need to add a cup, make sure it is boiling hot).
  • Once the beans are cooked and tender, add 1 tablespoon salt and a couple sprigs of fresh epazote or cilantro. Cook for another 15 minutes. Turn off heat.
  • In a hot comal or skillet set over medium heat, toast the avocado leaves and chiles de arbol for a couple of minutes until fragrant and browned, flipping as they toast. Remove from the heat. Break the leaves into pieces. Remove the stem from the chiles and break into pieces without discarding the seeds.
  • Working in batches if necessary, add the cooked beans and at least 1 1/2 cups of their cooking liquid (or add water if need be) to the jar of a blender, as well as the avocado leaves and chiles. Puree until a little chunky.
  • In a large skillet or casserole set over medium-high heat, heat the lard or vegetable oil. Once hot, but not smoking, add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent and edges are beginning to brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Incorporate pureed beans and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they thicken to your liking. I cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Notes

Frijoles Oaxaqueños

Oaxacan Yolk Bread

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich Pan de Yema
Print Recipe
4.67 from 6 votes

Oaxacan Yolk Bread

Oaxacan Yolk Bread recipe from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 6 Episode 9 "Oaxaca Breakfast: Messy & Delicious"
Prep Time3 hours
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: bread, pati's mexican table
Servings: 16 buns
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 envelopes active dry yeast granules
  • 2/3 cup sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
  • 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided,
    plus more for shaping dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing a large bowl and baking sheets
  • 9 egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs plus 1 for egg wash
  • Pinch of kosher or coarse sea salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the yeast granules with the 1 teaspoon of sugar and the lukewarm water (make sure it is not cold or hot, or the yeast will not react). Stir, let it sit in a warm area of your kitchen with no wind drafts, and after a few minutes, mix to dissolve. Let it sit again (in the same place) for a couple minutes more, until the mixture has reacted and looks frothy on top. Incorporate 1 cup of the flour and mix well. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for an hour.
  • In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter with the 2/3 cup sugar on medium speed until soft and creamy. Reduce speed to low, add yeast mixture along with the egg yolks, 2 eggs, the rest of the flour, and a pinch of salt.
  • After a few minutes, switch the paddle attachment for the hook attachment. Let the mixer knead the dough on low to medium speed for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the dough is very soft, smooth and shiny, and you can gather it into a ball.
  • Butter a large bowl. Gather the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in the warm area of your kitchen with no drafts. Let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and butter 3 baking sheets.
  • Uncover the dough and punch it down. Divide it in half, and consecutively halve the pieces until you have 16 pieces of dough. Roll each one into a ball and set on the buttered baking sheets. Place in the warm area of your kitchen for 45 minutes to an hour for a final rise.
  • In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Make a 3 slashes on the top of each bun and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes, until cooked through and browned on top.

Notes

Pan de Yema

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich sweet potato and black bean tamales
Print Recipe
4 from 8 votes

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 2 "History of Oaxaca Cuisine"
Cook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: masa, mexican crema, pati's mexican table, sweet potato, Tamales
Servings: 12 to 16 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina (such as Maseca)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 24 dried corn husks
  • 2 cups refried beans
  • 1 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until completely cooked and soft. Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open and scoop out the cooked pulp into a bowl. Set aside to cool.

To make the tamal masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a mixer, and beat over medium speed until very light, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add baking powder and sugar, and take turns adding the corn masa flour and the broth. Raise speed back to medium and continue beating another 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is homogeneous. In batches, add the cooled sweet potato pulp and continue beating for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the masa looks fluffed up.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 1/3 cup masa into about a 2” to 3” square, the layer should be about 1/4” thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2” on the sides. Place about 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold them to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. Gently squeeze from the bottom to the top to even the filling out without pressing to hard. As you assemble all the tamales, place them as upright as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 55 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks – you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • You can serve with a spoonful of Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top.

Notes

Tamales de Camote con Frijol

Tamales Coloraditos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Tamales are practically required on so many December holidays. Take Posadas. And Christmas. Not to mention New Year’s. Wait, of course, that spills over to January with Día de Reyes. Then it continues in February for Día de la Candelaria…

There’s also any morning after a big Mexican wedding… and all Mexican weddings are big! I could go on with every month of the year, but tamales are especially craved in December.

Of course, tamales are also everyday food for Mexicans. All sorts of tamales are found daily in lots of places, from markets, to food stands, to restaurants. Why then, if they can be eaten everyday, is there that crucial need for having tamales in December?

Well, I do not know. But what I can say is that I can eat tamales every day of the year and then feel the desperate need to have them for Christmas. To the point that it can be a pretty sad Christmas if tamales aren’t there.

Since the tamal love is spreading beyond Mexico, let me give you the recipe for a tamal I am pretty sure you haven’t tried. Unless you are Norteño, from the Mexican north.

The tamal coloradito, which translates to “infused with color,” takes its name from the filling of meat cooked in a mole sauce by the same name, coloradito. It has an intense color and a deep, rich, complex taste. It is made with ancho and guajillo chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cumin and cloves. Then it coats the meat and simmers with olives, almonds and raisins, resulting in a teasingly sweet/spicy, savory and crunchy mix. The full-blown exotic flavors of the filling contrast beautifully with the mild, fluffy tamal dough.

It seems to me that this tamal is particularly festive because, aside from tamales screaming out for celebration on their own, even with no filling, this one is filled with quite a stunner of a mole sauce. And moles are cause for celebration, too! Pair the two into one bite, and you have a happy crowd.

tamales coloraditos
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Tamales Coloraditos

The tamal coloradito, which translates to "infused with color," takes its name from the filling of meat cooked in a mole sauce by the same name, coloradito. It has an intense color and a deep, rich, complex taste. It is made with ancho and guajillo chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cumin and cloves. Then it coats the meat and simmers with olives, almonds and raisins, resulting in a teasingly sweet/spicy, savory and crunchy mix. The full-blown exotic flavors of the filling contrast beautifully with the mild, fluffy tamal dough.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Ancho, Coloraditos, Guajillo, Mole, pork, Tamales, Tomato, Tomatoes
Servings: 25 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the tamal dough or masa:

  • 1 cup lard vegetable shortening, or seasoned oil*
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 3 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or store bought, divided, more as needed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pound (about 3 1/4 cups) instant corn masa flour preferably for tamales

For the filling:

  • 3 guajillo chiles stemmed, halved and seeded
  • 3 ancho chiles stemmed, halved and seeded
  • 1 ripe Roma tomato
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano preferably Mexican
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon or canela
  • Pinch cumin
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup white onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin diced **
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or store bought
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/3 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 25 dried corn husks

Instructions

To make the tamal dough or masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening in a mixer and beat until very light, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a tablespoon of the broth and continue to beat until it is white and fluffy, about 2 more minutes. Add the baking powder and beat in, then take turns adding the instant corn masa and the broth in 3 or 4 additions. Continue beating for about 10 minutes at medium speed, until the dough is homogeneous and very fluffy and aerated.
  • To test to see if the tamal masa is ready, drop 1/2 teaspoon into a cup of cold water. It should float. If it does not, beat for an additional 4 or 5 minutes and do the test again.

To make the filling:

  • Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat and toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for about 1 minute, flipping them over a few times, until they become more pliable, lightly toasted, fragrant and their inner skin turns opaque. Transfer to a medium saucepan. Add the tomato, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tomato is very soft and the chiles are fully hydrated, plumped up and soft.
  • Place the chiles, tomato and 1/2 cup of the chile simmering water in a blender jar. Add the oregano, whole cloves, cinnamon, cumin and vinegar, and puree until smooth.
  • Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large, deep skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the edges begin to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium, pour the chile puree over the meat, and stir in the broth. Add the raisins, almonds, olives and brown sugar, stir together, reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should cook down and have the consistency of chile con carne.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 3 tablespoons of masa into about a 2 to 3-inch square, the layer should be about 1/4-inch thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2-inch on the sides. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold the folded sides to one side, rolling them in the same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk, with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open.
  • Assemble all the tamales and place them as vertically as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer (so that water is under the steamer) and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them, again as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 50 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks, you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in the refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • * Note: To make seasoned oil, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup vegetable oil over medium heat, add a thick slice of onion and 4 garlic cloves. Cook for 15 minutes until completely browned. Remove onion and garlic before using the oil.
  • ** Note: You can substitute the pork for any other meat of your choice, you can also combine different kinds of meat, like ground beef and diced pork, like my mother does.

Fried Egg Taco with Pine Nut Pipián

Posted on by Pati Jinich

fried egg taco
Print Recipe
4.75 from 4 votes

Fried Egg Taco with Pine Nut Pipián

Fried Egg Taco with Pine Nut Pipián recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 13 “José Andrés Takes Over”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chorizo, fried egg, pickled red onions, Pine Nut Pipián, radish, tacos
Servings: 4 tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare the chorizo: With a knife cut the chorizo link on one side, allowing it to split open. Squeeze the meat from the casing. In a pot over medium heat, gently cook the chorizo for 4 to 5 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, gently crack open the egg into the middle of the oil, tilting the pan to allow the yolk to be centered. Cook on medium heat, using a slotted spoon to prevent egg from sticking to the pan. Cover if needed to allow the white to cook through, leaving the yolk runny, about 1 1/2 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, scoop egg out of the frying oil, dab on a towel to allow any excess oil to drain away, and place the fried egg on a plate. Repeat cooking process for each of the four eggs.
  • Cut off a 4-inch piece from the baguette. Slice off the crust and then slice the inner bread into 1/2-inch strips. Toast in a pan with oil.
  • Top each egg taco with slice of toasted bread, radish, cilantro, Pickled Red Onion Slices, Pine Nut Pipián, and chorizo. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tacos de Huevo con Pipián de Piñón, recipe courtesy of José Andrés

Chicken in Green Salsa Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich

chicken in green salsa tamal
Print Recipe
4.43 from 7 votes

Chicken in Green Salsa Tamales

Chicken in Green Salsa Tamales recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 4, Episode 5 “Tamaliza!”
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken, masa, pati's mexican table, salsa verde, Tamales
Servings: 18 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the tamal dough or masa:

  • 3/4 cup lard, vegetable shortening, or seasoned oil (see note at end of recipe)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cold water
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pound (about 3 1/4 cups) instant corn masa flour (masa harina) for tortillas or tamales
  • 3 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth add more if needed

For the filling:

  • 1 batch salsa verde
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken from homemade chicken broth

To assemble the tamales:

  • 25 dried corn husks soaking in hot water

Instructions

To make the tamal dough or masa:

  • Place lard, vegetable shortening or seasoned oil in an electric mixer and beat until very light, about 1 minute. Add salt and 1 teaspoon of cold water and continue beating until it is white and spongy, a couple more minutes. Add the baking powder and then alternate adding the instant corn masa and the chicken broth a little at a time. Continue beating until dough is homogeneous and as fluffy as can get. You know the tamal masa is ready when you can drop 1/2 teaspoon of the masa in a cup of cold water and it floats.

To make the filling:

  • Combine the salsa verde with the cooked shredded chicken.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 3 tablespoons of masa into about a 2 to 3-inch square, the layer should be about 1/4-inch thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2-inch on the sides. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold the folded sides to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk, with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open.
  • Assemble all the tamales and place them as vertically as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer (so that water is under the steamer) and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them, again as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 50 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks, you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • Note: To make seasoned oil, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup vegetable oil over medium heat, add a thick slice of onion and 4 garlic cloves. Cook for 15 minutes until completely browned. Remove onion and garlic before using the oil.

Notes

Tamales de Pollo en Salsa Verde

Poached Eggs in a Tomato and Poblano Rajas Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich

rabo de mestiza
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Poached Eggs in a Tomato and Poblano Rajas Sauce

Poached Eggs in a Tomato and Poblano Rajas Sauce recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 1, Episode 8 “Mexican Brunch”
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Brunch, corn tortillas, Eggs, onion, pati's mexican table, piloncillo, poblanos, queso fresco, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs roma tomatoes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 tbsp corn or safflower oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion slivered or thinly sliced
  • 3/4 lb poblano chiles or about 3, charred, sweated, skinned, stemmed, seeded, cut into about 2″ slices (may soak in hot water with 2 tbsp brown sugar or piloncillo to tame heat)
  • 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1 tsp kosher or sea salt more or less to taste
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled, my substitute for farmers or a mild feta
  • Corn tortillas or toast optional

Instructions

  • Place the tomatoes along with the garlic and bay leaves in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, simmer until thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaves and place tomatoes and garlic in the blender and puree until smooth.
  • In a large, heavy bottomed pan set over medium heat, pour in the oil. Once hot, cook the onion, stirring now and then, until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the poblano rajas and let them cook for 1 or 2 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, sprinkle the marjoram, salt and pepper, and let it season and thicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. You can make this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • When ready to make the eggs, reheat the sauce, then lower the heat to medium-low and add the eggs one by one. It is easier if you crack the eggs into a small bowl or cup and slide them into the sauce. Sprinkle a bit of salt on top of each egg and cover the pan with its lid. Let the eggs poach until cooked. I like the yolks, still runny, which takes like 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Serve on plates and sprinkle crumbled cheese on top. Have warm corn tortillas or toast on the side.
  • Note: The sauce can be made ahead of time and the dish cooked right before you want to eat it.

Notes

Huevos Rabo de Mestiza

Fluffy Plantain and Pecan Bread

Posted on by Pati Jinich

fluffy plantain bread
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Fluffy Plantain and Pecan Bread

Fluffy Plantain and Pecan Bread recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 2, Episode 13 “Naturally Vegetarian Mexican”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: banana bread, pati's mexican table, pecans, Plantains, vanilla
Servings: 1 10-inch loaf
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 sticks or 6 oz unsalted butter plus more for the pan
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 pound ripe plantains peeled, sliced, and roughly mashed (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 cup roughly chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter sides and bottom of the loaf pan and lightly dust it with flour; set it aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until soft. Stir in the sugar and keep beating until fluffy. Beat in the eggs until well mixed.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Lower the speed on the mixer. Alternate between adding the plantains and the sifted dry ingredient mixture.
  • Add the vanilla and pecans and mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently place a piece of aluminum foil on top. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top of the bread looks golden brown and puffed-out. If you inset a toothpick, it should come out moist but not wet.

Notes

Pan de Plátano Macho y Nuez

Green Chilaquiles in Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich

chilaquiles verdes
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Green Chilaquiles in Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Green Chilaquiles in Roasted Tomatillo Sauce recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 2, Episode 7 “Family-Style Breakfast"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cotija cheese, feta, garlic, jalapeno, mexican crema, onion, queso fresco, serrano chiles, tomatillos, tortilla chips
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 18 5″ corn tortillas
  • 2 pounds green tomatillos husked and rinsed
  • 1/2 of a large white onion
  • 1 or 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 or 3 cilantro sprigs
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil plus more for brushing tortillas

To garnish:

  • 1/2 cup onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija or substitute with Farmer’s cheese or mild feta, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Mexican cream

Instructions

To prepare the tortillas:

  • Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Cut the tortillas into 2-inch, bite-sized pieces, lightly brush with oil, sprinkle salt. Set them on a baking tray and bake in the oven until crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let the pieces cool. Alternately, you can fry the tortilla pieces.

To prepare the tomatillo sauce:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the tomatillos, onions, garlic and serrano chiles in a bowl. Add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and rub all the ingredients until everything has a light coat of oil. Lay the ingredients in a baking tray. Sprinkle with salt.
  • Bake until tomatillos are soft and plump and all the ingredients look charred. Let the ingredients cool. Add the charred vegetables, the cilantro and the broth to a blender and mix well.
  • Heat a pan over medium heat, adding one additional tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the sauce from the blender and finish cooking over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Season to taste.

To serve:

  • When the sauce is hot, quickly but carefully add the tortillas. Stir the tortillas into the mixture so that they are fully coated with the sauce.
  • Serve the tortillas and salsa in a large platter, garnished with the sliced onions, crumbled Mexican queso fresco, drizzle with the cream, garnish with chopped onion and cilantro. Eat immediately.

Notes

Chilaquiles verdes

Mexican French Toast Rolls

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Mexican French toast rolls
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4 from 4 votes

Mexican French Toast Rolls

Mexican French Toast Rolls recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 2, Episode 7 “Family-Style Breakfast”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cajeta, cinnamon, Dulce de Leche, french toast, nutella, pati's mexican table
Servings: 8 French toast rolls
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 8 slices white or wheat sandwich bread
  • Cajeta dulce de leche, nutella, almond or peanut butter, or any preserves
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Trim the crust from the bread. Flatten the slices slightly with a rolling pin. In the center of each bread slice, add about 1 teaspoon of the filling of your choice and spread.
  • Roll the bread like a cigar or a rolled taco; set aside until you finish all of the slices.
  • In a bowl mix the egg, the cup of milk, vanilla, and salt, and whisk until well combined. In another bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon.
  • Set a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of butter.
  • Soak the bread rolls in the milk mixture until fully coated. Add them to the hot pan, which should have the butter already melted. Cook the rolls until they’re golden brown and look fully cooked, flipping a few times as they cook to brown on all sides. Roll the fingers in the sugar and cinnamon mixture; they are ready to eat!

Notes

Dedos Gitanos

Cajeta Crepes with Toasted Pecans

Posted on by Pati Jinich

cajeta crepes
Print Recipe
4.25 from 4 votes

Cajeta Crepes with Toasted Pecans

Cajeta Crepes with Toasted Pecans recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 2, Episode 3 “A French Twist on Mexico”
Prep Time1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cajeta, Crepes, Dulce de Leche, ice cream, pati's mexican table, pecans, rum
Servings: 10 12 9-inch crêpes
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • Pinch Kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Extra butter to oil the pan
  • 2 cups Cajeta or dulce de leche
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon rum optional
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped and toasted, to garnish
  • Vanilla ice cream optional

Instructions

To make the Crepes:

  • In a small pan, heat the butter over low heat until it melts. Set it aside. Place flour, eggs, milk, sugar, salt and melted butter in the blender and purée until smooth, for about 10 seconds. Add water and blend again until smooth. You can also mix the ingredients by hand, following the same order.
  • Place batter in a container, cover and refrigerate for at least half an hour, up to 12 hours. Once ready to make the crêpes, whisk the batter well with a fork or a whisk.
  • Set a crêpe pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. Butter the bottom of the pan and ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto it. Instead of working from the center to the sides, tilt the pan and pour the batter over one side and spread it as quickly as possible to the rest of the pan, so that it covers the entire surface.
  • Cook for about 20 to 25 seconds, until edges are cooked and begin to dry out and the bottom of the crêpe is lightly browned. With a small spatula or fork, lift one edge of the crêpe and turn it over quickly with your fingers. Cook the second side for about 10 to 15 seconds, or until it has lightly browned. Flip the crêpe onto a plate.
  • Repeat with the rest of the batter. After 3 or 4 crêpes, you may need to butter the pan again. If it isn’t a nonstick pan, you may need to do it for every one. Stack crêpes on top of each other with the first, darker side down. That darker side will become the outer layer of the crêpe once you fill them up or fold them.
  • If you aren’t going to use all of the crêpes at once, or if you are making them ahead of time, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a closed plastic bag and store in the refrigerator up to 4 days, or in the freezer for weeks.

To make the Sauce:

  • Pour the cajeta and the milk in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring and gently simmering it for a couple of minutes until it is completely mixed together and well dissolved.

To Assemble:

  • Place a crêpe on a plate and spread a couple tablespoons cajeta sauce all over the surface. Fold crêpe in half, add a couple more tablespoons of sauce into the middle of the half-moon shape. Fold the crêpe again to make a triangle shape (with a rounded bottom) and pour a few more tablespoons of sauce on top.
  • Garnish with the toasted pecans and serve. You may want to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream too…

Notes

Crepas de Cajeta con Nuez

Blissful Corn Torte

Posted on by Pati Jinich

blissful corn torte
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Blissful Corn Torte

Blissful Corn Torte recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 2, Episode 3 “A French Twist on Mexico”
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Corn, corn bread, cornbread, pati's mexican table, rice flour, Torta
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 8 eggs separated
  • 4 cups corn kernels
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt

Instructions

  • Place rack in the middle of oven and heat to 360 degrees. Butter a 9×12-inch pan.
  • Beat the butter with the sugar until creamy. Slowly add 8 egg yolks, one by one, until incorporated. Add the cream, rice flour and baking powder.
  • In a blender, process the milk with the corn kernels, then, incorporate it into the mix above. Place the mixture in a big mixing bowl.
  • Separately, beat the egg whites with salt until stiff peaks are formed. Add 1/5 of the egg whites to the butter/corn mix and blend carefully. Slowly blend the rest of the egg whites until everything is mixed, it is ok if the mixture looks streaky, don’t over work it or it will lose volume. Pour onto baking dish.
  • Bake until torte is springy to the touch and lightly browned, 45 to 50 minutes. Once it cools a little, cut into squares. It can be served either warm or cold; it can be covered and kept at room temperature for an entire day, or covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Pan de Elote

Baked Fruit Mixiote

Posted on by Pati Jinich

baked fruit mixiote
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Baked Fruit Mixiote

Baked Fruit Mixiote recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 4, Episode 12 “Baked!”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: baked fruit, banana leaves, blackberry, blueberries, fruit, mint, orange juice, pati's mexican table, peaches, vanilla, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon agave or maple syrup or honey
  • 2 large peaches pitted and cut into 6 wedges each
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • Banana leaves thawed from frozen
  • 12 fresh mint leaves
  • kosher or coarse sea salt
  • Kitchen twine

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring the orange juice, vanilla and agave syrup to a simmer. Leave it at a steady simmer for 15 minutes or until it has reduced by half (to about 3/4 cup). Remove from the heat.
  • In a bowl, place all the fruit. Pour in the orange juice syrup and gently toss.
  • Pass the banana leaves over the open flame, steadily, without toasting them. Pass them slowly, just until you see them shine and they become fragrant. It’s steady and slow and should only take a few seconds.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place one banana leaf in the bottom of a large baking dish.
  • Cut 12 pieces of about 14-inches in length. They should be between 8 and 10-inches wide. Arrange two cut pieces on top of each other, crossing one another. Place about 1/6 of the fruit mixture right in the middle, place a couple mint leaves on top and add a pinch of salt. Close as in a bundle, making a package and tying a piece of twine around it to close the package. Repeat with each bundle and place them in the baking dish.
  • Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Serve the bundles by themselves, or alongside ice cream, pound cake or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Mixiote de Frutas 

Cajeta & Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Cajeta & Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Cajeta & Pecan Cinnamon Rolls recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 4, Episode 12 “Baked!”
Prep Time1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: bread, Cajeta, canela, cinnamon, dough, pati's mexican table, pecans, Sweetened Condensed Milk, vanilla
Servings: 12 generous sized rolls
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the starter:

  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

For the dough:

  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more to knead the dough
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Pinch of kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, plus more to butter the bowl

For the filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into 1/4 -inch dice
  • 3/4 cup Cajeta or dulce de leche
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or canela
  • 3/4 cup roughly chopped pecans

For the glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

To make the starter:

  • Place the lukewarm milk and water in a small bowl. Be careful as it shouldn’t be hot or cold, or the yeast will not react. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid along with a tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let rest until it puffs up and becomes foamy, about 10 minutes.

To make the batter:

  • Place the flour in a large mixing bowl. Make a hole in the middle and pour in the beaten eggs, foamy yeast starter, sugar, and salt. Start combining the ingredients with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. After a few strokes, add the melted butter. Mix with energy, until fully combined. The dough will be very sticky and gooey.
  • Sprinkle your counter or work surface very generously with all-purpose flour. Turn the sticky dough onto the surface, and knead until it transforms from being sticky and gooey to soft and elastic, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add a bit more flour to the counter, if needed, and use a bench scraper to gather the sticky dough from the counter as you knead the dough, and it becomes malleable and soft. Shape the dough into a ball.
  • Butter a large bowl, place the ball of dough in it, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm area of your kitchen with no drafts or air currents, for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until it doubles in size.

To make the rolls:

  • Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle your counter or working surface generously with all-purpose flour. Place the dough on the floured counter and knead gently to begin to form a rectangle. Sprinkle a rolling pin with flour and use it to roll the dough into a long rectangle of about 10-inches wide by 24-inches long.
  • Leaving a 1-inch frame around the rectangle spread the dulce de leche across the length of the dough to form a centered and long 6-inch stripe. Sprinkle the chopped pecans, the cinnamon, and the butter chunks all over the surface, except for that 1-inch frame.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Working lengthwise, roll up the rectangle tightly. Brush the top 1 inch edge of the rectangle, with water, and close the roll up. Cut into 12 rolls: I like to cut the log in half first, then that half in half, and each of those quarters into 3 rolls. Place them in the buttered baking dish. Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel, and let them rest in a warm area of your kitchen with no drafts or air currents, until they double in size, about an hour.
  • Bake the cinnamon rolls for 27 to 30 minutes, until they are fully cooked and golden brown on top. Remove from the oven.

To make glaze:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with the vanilla, lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk and mix with a whisk or spatula. Incorporate the confectioners sugar and mix until fully combined. Pour freely all over the rolls.
  • If you add the glaze while the rolls are still hot, they will turn out even better. Eat as soon as glaze has set, or at least try; it will be just a few minutes.

Notes

Roles de Canela y Cajeta

Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Posted on by Pati Jinich

baked egg casserole pati jinich
Print Recipe
4.50 from 8 votes

Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Huevos Rancheros Casserole recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 4, Episode 12 “Baked!”
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cheese, Eggs, ham, Monterrey Jack cheese, mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, pati's mexican table, refried beans, Salsa, Tomatoes, turkey
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil for frying eggs
  • 8 eggs
  • To taste kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 3 cups refried beans
  • 8 slices of turkey or ham
  • 1 batch salsa ranchera
  • 2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated cheese such as Oaxaca, mozzarella or Monterrey Jack

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a medium skillet set over medium-low heat, heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, crack in 4 eggs, sprinkle with salt, and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3 minutes, until eggs are set, but not fully done, and the yolk is gooey. Repeat with the remaining 4 eggs, or make two skillets at once.
  • In an individual casserole, ovenproof bowl or large ramekin, spoon 3/4 cup refried beans, add a slice of turkey or ham, and a pair of the cooked eggs. Ladle in a generous amount of salsa ranchera to completely cover, and add shredded cheese on top. Assemble the rest of the casseroles. Alternatively, it can be made in a large casserole for everyone to share.
  • Place in the oven until the cheese has completely melted, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Notes

Cazuela de Huevos Rancheros