Lunch

Sonoran Hot Dogs

Sonoran Hot Dog
Print Recipe
3.43 from 7 votes

Sonoran Hot Dogs

Sonoran Hot Dogs, courtesy of Daniel Contreras of El Güero Canelo Restaurant, from Pati's Mexican Table, Episode 13, "How Do You Say Tucson?"
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Arizona, bacon, Hot Dog, Mexican, Sonoran, Tucson, Turkey Hot Dog
Servings: 4 hot dogs
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 4 turkey hot dogs
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 4 güero chiles or banana peppers
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 1 cup cooked pinto beans warmed up

Toppings:

  • Chopped raw white onion
  • Chopped tomato
  • Jalapeño hot sauce or salsa of your choice
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions

  • On a cutting board, roll one slice of bacon around each hot dog. Place the tip of the hot dog over one end of the bacon slice, then roll the hot dog around and around on the diagonal so that the bacon wraps around it and covers it entirely. If you get to the end of the hot dog and there is still some bacon left, roll back in the other direction until the whole strip of bacon is rolled around the hot dog.






  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon-wrapped hot dogs and cook, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until crisped and browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.



  • In the same skillet, heat the vegetable oil and add the 1 cup chopped white onion. Sauté the onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Scrape into a small bowl and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, char the güero chiles on a hot comal or skillet set over medium heat for 3
    to 6 minutes. Turn it once or twice, until its skin has lightly charred. Remove from heat.

To assemble:

  • Place one bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bun, then spoon on a generous tablespoon of warm pinto beans and about a tablespoon of the cooked onion. Top with some chopped raw onion, chopped tomato, hot sauce or salsa, mustard, and mayonnaise. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs and serve each one with a charred güero chile on the side.

Notes

Hot Dogs Sonorenses, recipe courtesy of Daniel Contreras of El Güero Canelo Restaurant

Carne con Chile Burritos

chile con carne burrito
Print Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes

Carne con Chile Burritos

Carne con Chile Burritos recipe, courtesy of Lourdes Sanchez of Soto’s Outpost, from Pati's Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 13, "How Do You Say Tucson?"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: brisket, burritos, carne
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds pork or beef brisket cut into large pieces 
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 of a large white onion
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 5 Roma tomatoes
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 15 chiltepin chiles
  • 3 to 4 chiles de arbol stemmed, seeded and rinsed
  • 3 cascabel chiles stemmed, seeded and rinsed
  • 3 pasilla chiles stemmed, seeded and rinsed
  • 2 dried morita or chipotle chiles stemmed, seeded and rinsed
  • 4 ounces California chiles, chile de sarta, or Colorado
    chiles
    stemmed, seeded and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 10 large flour tortillas

Instructions

  • Place the meat, garlic, onion, bay leaves, tomatoes, and salt in a large, thick
    saucepan and cover with water by about an inch. Set over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the meat is completely cooked through and tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Remove the meat from the saucepan and chop into small, bite-sized pieces. Reserve the cooking liquid, discarding the bay leaves.



  • To make the red sauce, put all the chiles in a medium saucepan. Cover them with water and simmer over medium-high heat until they´ve rehydrated and plumped up, about 10 minutes. Once they´re soft and rehydrated, transfer to a blender along with the tomato, garlic and onion from cooking the meat, as well as 1 cup of the reserved meat cooking liquid. Puree until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer into the remaining cooking liquid from the meat. Stir to combine.






  • Melt the lard or vegetable oil in a dutch oven or a large pan over medium heat. Once it´s hot, whisk in the flour and cook until it starts to smell toasty and has a sandy consistency. Add the red sauce, mix well with the whisk, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. Turn off heat. Add the chopped, cooked meat. Mix well to completely cover the meat with the sauce.



  • Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the meat with sauce onto large, flour tortillas and roll them to make burritos.






Notes

Burritos de Carne con Chile, recipe courtesy of Lourdes Sánchez of Soto´s Outpost

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 12 “Home Cooking Sinaloa Style"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, asadero cheese, chile de arbol, chiltepín chiles, green onions, mexican crema, Monterrey Jack cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pasta, pati’s mexican table, queso anejo, scallions, Shrimp, tomato paste, Tomatoes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 fresh Anaheim chiles
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 white onion diced
  • 3 pounds ripe on the vine tomatoes washed and quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste, divided, plus more to season shrimp
  • 1 6- ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed dried chiltepín chiles chile de árbol, or red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound short and small pasta such as rigatoni or shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Mexican crema
  • 1 cup grated asadero or quesadilla cheese can also substitute with Monterey Jack or Muenster
  • 1 1/2 cup grated Oaxaca cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated añejo cheese or parmesan
  • 3 to 4 scallions white and light green parts thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Place the Anaheim chiles on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Put under the broiler for about 10 minutes, flipping a couple times in between, until charred on all sides. Immediately transfer the charred chiles to a plastic bag and seal tightly to sweat them for at least 5 minutes. Take the chiles out of the bag, let cool slightly, then peel off the skin and remove the stems and seeds. Coarsely chop the chiles and set aside.
  • Heat an oven-proof heavy bottomed skillet or casserole over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and heat until the oil is rippling. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is translucent and starts to brown at the edges.
  • While the onion is cooking, add the tomatoes to a blender. Pulse in the blender until the tomatoes are crushed but are still a little chunky. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Add the garlic and chopped Anaheim chiles to the pan with the onion, stir, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for another couple minutes until the garlic starts to brown. Add the tomato paste, stir it into the vegetables, and let it cook and season for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes from the blender and stir making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to scrape up any browned bits. Season with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the crushed dried chiles. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is flavorful. Turn off the heat when ready.
  • Set a rack on the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450°F.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Melt the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. When melted, sizzling, and hot, add the shrimp in a couple batches and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute a couple minutes until the shrimp are just cooked. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl or plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp. Chop half of the shrimp, leaving half whole to top the pasta.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce along with the chopped shrimp and the crema and toss to coat. Top with the remaining whole shrimp and cover with the grated asadero, Oaxaca, and añejo cheeses. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Sprinkle the top with scallions.

Notes

Cazuela de Pasta con Camarones y Queso

Sinaloa Style Chilorio

Sinaloa Style Chilorio
Print Recipe
4.70 from 10 votes

Sinaloa Style Chilorio

Sinaloa Style Chilorio recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 9 “Mocorito, The Land of Chilorio”
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, chilorio, guajillo chiles, pati’s mexican table, pork, Tomatoes
Servings: 10 to 12 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt fat on, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided
  • 5 cups water
  • 4 ounces (about 14 to 15) guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground back pepper
  • Pinch ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 pound (about 3) fresh Anaheim chiles seeded and chopped
  • 4 ripe Roma tomatoes cored and chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat a large heavy casserole over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork pieces, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring as it starts to brown. Reduce heat to medium, pour in 5 cups of water, cover and cook for another hour and a half.
  • Meanwhile, place the guajillo chiles, bay leaves, and garlic in a medium pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the chiles are completely rehydrated and plumped up.
  • Place rehydrated guajillos, garlic, and bay leaves in the jar of a blender, along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and the oregano, coriander seeds, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, and vinegar. Puree until completely smooth.
  • Pour the chile puree onto the meat, mix well, and continue to cook, partially covered, for another 10 to 15 minutes. Stir energetically, but occasionally. By the end, the meat should be so tender and luscious that it falls apart completely and will break into very thin and almost shredded pieces. Turn off the heat.
  • This is the prepared chilorio base. You can let it cool and scrape into a colander, set over a bowl or pot, to drain the fat. Reserve the fat for later use. You can refrigerate the chilorio and the fat until ready to use.
  • If you are ready to eat it, set a casserole over medium heat, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved fat from the chilorio. Once hot, add the onion, Anaheim chiles, and tomatoes, stir and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until softened. Add the chilorio, mix well, and continue to cook for 10 more minutes.
  • Serve with flour or corn tortillas or use for any other type of filling or dish (such as pasta, lasagna, tortas, sandwiches, burritos).

Notes

Chilorio Estilo Sinaloa, recipe courtesy of Victoria Eugenia González of Mely Restaurante

Chilorio Migas

Chilorio Migas
Print Recipe
4.34 from 6 votes

Chilorio Migas

Chilorio Migas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 9 “Mocorito, The Land of Chilorio”
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, chilorio, corn tortillas, Eggs, lime, Migas, onion, pati’s mexican table, red onion, Salsa, Tomatoes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the garnish:

  • 1 cup slivered red onion
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste

For the sopitas:

  • 2 tablespoons chilorio fat or vegetable oil
  • 12 corn tortillas store-bought or homemade, broken into small pieces
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 pound (about 3) fresh Anaheim chiles, seeded and chopped
  • 4 ripe Roma tomatoes cored and diced
  • 1 cup Sinaloa Style Chilorio
  • 8 large eggs beaten
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, diced
  • Salsa of your choice optional

Instructions

To make the garnish:

  • Prepare the garnish at least a half hour before making the sopitas. In a bowl, combine the red onion with the lime juice, vinegar, oil, and salt. Mix and let it sit and macerate.

To make the sopitas:

  • In a large saute pan, add the chilorio fat and heat over medium-high heat. Once very hot, add the broken corn tortillas and let them heat, toast, and season, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion and Anaheim chiles, and cook for a couple minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until completely softened.
  • Incorporate the prepared chilorio and cook for a couple more minutes. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until set as in messy scrambled eggs. Serve, topped with avocado, the red onion garnish, and, if you wish, a salsa of your choice.

Notes

Migas con Huevo y Chilorio

Birria

Birria
Print Recipe
4.13 from 8 votes

Goat Meat Stew Tacos

Birria recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 11 “A Day in Sinaloa's Countryside”
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: avocado leaves, birria, cilantro, corn tortillas, goat, guajillo chiles, lamb, lime, onion, tacos
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the Birria:

  • 4 to 5 pounds goat meat bone-in, cut into about 3-inch pieces (you may substitute lamb)
  • 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 6 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided
  • 3 quarts water plus more to soak the meat
  • 4 to 5 large dried avocado leaves
  • 3 ounces (about 10) guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded

For serving:

  • Warm corn tortillas
  • 2 cups finely chopped white onion
  • 2 cups chopped cilantro leaves
  • 2 to 3 limes quartered

Instructions

  • Place the meat in a large bowl and cover with cool water. Add the vinegar and 2 teaspoons salt and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with cold water.
  • Place the rinsed meat in a large casserole, cover with at least 3 quarts water, add 4 teaspoons salt, and stir. Set over high heat and let it come to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, remove whatever foam may have come to the surface, cover, and cook for 2 hours.
  • Set a comal or small saute pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, toast the avocado leaves, flipping as they cook, for about a minute until fragrant.
  • Place the chiles in a small saucepan, cover with water, and set over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the chiles are completely rehydrated and plumped up. Place the chiles in the jar of a blender, along with a cup of the cooking liquid, and puree until completely smooth.
  • Uncover the meat, add the guajillo chile puree, stir, and drop in the toasted avocado leaves. Cover again and continue cooking for another 2 hours, or until the meat is succulent, juicy, tender, and falling apart when a fork is inserted.
  • Serve the meat in bowls along with the broth. At the table, have warm corn tortillas, chopped white onion, chopped cilantro, and quartered limes for people to assemble their birria tacos and to season the broth. You can also chase the tacos with the broth.

Notes

Birria

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce

Habanero Shrimp Burger
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 10 “Surfside Eats"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, bacon, burger, carrots, cilantro, habanero, lime, mayonnaise, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, tartar sauce
Servings: 6 burgers
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 habanero chile seeded and finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of stems
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup peeled and chopped carrot
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt plus more to sprinkle on burgers
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds medium-sized shrimp rinsed, peeled and patted dry, divided
  • Vegetable oil to brush on the burgers
  • 6 brioche or burger buns lightly toasted before serving
  • 6 butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 batch Habanero Tartar Sauce
  • 12 slices of bacon cooked until crisp
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a food processor, add the habanero, lime juice, cilantro, mayonnaise, carrot, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and a quarter pound of the shrimp. Pulse until completely smooth. Add the remaining shrimp and pulse a couple times, until you have a coarse ground meat mixture.
  • Cover a small sheet pan or tray with wax paper. Put some lukewarm water in a bowl and use it to wet your hands as you shape the mixture onto 6 burger patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan on medium heat. Generously brush the shrimp burger patties with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the grill or grill pan and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned on both sides and the color inside has changed to a darker pink.
  • Lightly toast the buns in the oven or on a heated skillet. On the bottom half, place a lettuce leaf, some habanero tarter sauce, a shrimp burger, a couple slices of bacon, a couple slices of avocado, more tartar sauce to taste, and top with the top bun. Repeat with the rest of the burgers.

Notes

Hamburguesa de Camarón con Salsa Tártara de Habanero

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 6 "El Fuerte, Magic Town"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: celery, Chipotle Mayonnaise, lobsters, pati’s mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, red onion
Servings: 8 lobster rolls
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Kosher or sea salt
  • 4 1-and-a-quarter to 1-and-a-half pound live lobsters or substitute for thawed lobster tails
  • 2 sticks of celery cleaned and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 3/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup Homemade Chipotle Mayonnaise
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Unsalted butter
  • 8 brioche buns or hot dog rolls
  • Salted potato chips
  • Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Instructions

  • Fill a large stock pot three-quarters of the way full with water, counting how many quarts of water you pour. Add 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Place the lobsters in the water, head first, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes, at a medium simmer, until the lobsters shells have turned completely red. Carefully remove them from the pot with the help of tongs, place on a baking sheet, and let cool.
  • When the lobsters have cooled enough to handle, remove their meat. First, remove the tail and place it upside down on a chopping board, stick a fork into the tail and pull out the meat. You can break the shell with a lobster or nut cracker. Use the cracker to break the claws and take out their meat.
  • Coarsely chop the meat and place in a bowl. Mix in the celery, red onion, pickled jalapeños, and chipotle mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Put a large skillet over medium-low heat. Rub with butter. Place on the closed buns and let them toast for a minute per side. Remove and gently open without breaking them apart. Break potato chips and use them to make a first base layer, then spoon in a generous amount of the lobster salad. Serve with the serrano cocktail sauce and let your guests decide if and how much they would like.

Notes

Rollos de Langosta con Mayonesa de Chipotle, Jalapeños en Vinagre y Salsa Coctel de Serrano

Mango, Tomato, Tomatillo, Basil and Jalapeño Salad

Mango, Tomato, Tomatillo, Basil and Jalapeño Salad
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Mango, Tomato, Tomatillo, Basil and Jalapeño Salad

Mango, Tomato, Tomatillo, Basil and Jalapeño Salad recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 11 “A Day in Sinaloa's Countryside”
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: basil, jalapeno, lime, mango, pati’s mexican table, red onion, rice vinegar, tomatillos, Tomatoes, vinaigrette
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup slivered red onion
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños halved and thinly sliced

For assembling the salad:

  • 2 large mangoes peeled and sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 large tomato cut into segment slices
  • 3 tomatillos husked, rinsed, cut into thin segment slices
  • 15 basil leaves thinly sliced

Instructions

To make the vinaigrette:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk the rice vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Add the red onion and jalapeños, mix, and let sit and macerate for at least 5 minutes.

To assemble the salad:

  • Assemble the mangoes, tomatoes, tomatillos, and basil on a platter. Dress with the vinaigrette and macerated onions and jalapeños. Serve.

Notes

Ensalada de Mango, Tomate, Tomate Verde, Albahaca y Jalapeño

Campechano Tacos with Street Style Salsa

Campechano Tacos with Street Style Salsa
Print Recipe
4.25 from 8 votes

Campechano Tacos with Street Style Salsa

Campechano Tacos with Street Style Salsa recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 4 “Los Mochis, Street Taco Favorites”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicharrón, cilantro, corn tortillas, flank steak, garlic, longaniza, onion, pati’s mexican table, Salsa Callejera, tacos
Servings: 8 tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 pound longaniza casings removed, chopped (or substitute Mexican chorizo)
  • 1/2 pound pork chicharrón crumbled or chopped into small pieces
  • 8 corn tortillas store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onion for garnish
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Salsa Callejera

Instructions

  • Place the meat, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a teaspoon of salt in a large casserole or pot. Cover generously with water and place over high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, reduce heat to medium low, remove any foam that may have risen to the top, cover, and cook for an hour and a half until the meat is completely tender and falling apart. Turn off heat and set aside.
  • Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat with a slotted spoon and chop into small pieces. Set aside.
  • Set a large saute pan over medium-high heat, once hot add a tablespoon of oil. Add the longaniza or chorizo and brown, crumbling into smaller pieces with a couple wooden spoons or spatulas as it cooks, for about 5 minutes until crisp and brown. Add the chopped meat, stir, and cook for a couple minutes until it starts to brown as well. Incorporate the chicharrón, mix it all up and turn off the heat.
  • Preheat a comal or skillet over medium-low heat. Heat the tortillas for about a minute per side until completely hot with brown specks on both sides. Assemble the tacos, or let people assemble their own, by adding some of the meat mix and topping with chopped onion, cilantro, and salsa callejera.

Notes

Tacos Campechanos de Suadero, Longaniza y Chicharrón con Salsa Callejera

Street Style Salsa

Street Style Salsa
Print Recipe
4.59 from 17 votes

Street Style Salsa

Street Style Salsa recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 4 “Los Mochis, Street Taco Favorites"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chiles de arbol, cilantro, cumin, garlic, jalapeno, onion, Salsa, tomatillos, Tomatoes
Servings: 3 generous cups
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 chiles de árbol stemmed, or more to taste
  • 1 1/2 pound about 5 or 6 ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 pound about 4 tomatillos husked and rinsed
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños or to taste
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and upper stems
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Preheat a comal or small saute pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, toast chiles de árbol for about a minute until toasted and fragrant. Remove from the heat.
  • Place the tomatoes, tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and set over medium-high heat, simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes and tomatillos are cooked and mushy and the jalapeños have softened and changed their color.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes, tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic to blender. Incorporate the chiles de árbol, onion, cilantro, cumin, and salt and puree until smooth.
  • Set a medium saucepan over medium heat, once hot add the oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in the salsa and be ready to partially cover with the lid as it will jump. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until thickened and seasoned and color has deepened.

Notes

Salsa Callejera

Milanesa Torta with Matador Guacamole and Melty Cheese

Milanesa Torta with Matador Guacamole and Melty Cheese
Print Recipe
4.89 from 9 votes

Milanesa Torta with Matador Guacamole and Melty Cheese

Milanesa Torta with Matador Guacamole and Melty Cheese recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 5 "A Taste of Mazatlán"
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: bolillo, chicken, chiltepín chiles, cotija cheese, fried, fried chicken, guacamole, mayonnaise, Oaxaca cheese, pati’s mexican table, Sandwich, telera, Torta
Servings: 4 tortas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • A splash of milk
  • 2 cups crushed butter crackers
  • 8 to 10 dried chiltepín chiles crushed (or substitute 3 to 4 chiles de árbol)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups grated Oaxaca cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 4 bolillo or telera rolls split in half with insides scooped out
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 1 batch Matador Guacamole
  • 1/4 cup soy and lime mixture from the Matador Guacamole

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/2-inch of vegetable oil and heat until very hot but not smoking, for at least 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make a breading station using three shallow dishes: place the flour in one, whisk the eggs with a splash of milk in another, and mix the cracker crumbs with salt, pepper and the crushed chiles in the third one. One by one, dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, then pass through the egg mixture, and then coat well with the cracker crumbs mixture, pressing it onto the chicken as you do. Place them on a baking sheet and continue with the remaining chicken.
  • Fry the chicken breasts in the heated oil one or two at a time, making sure the pan is not over crowded, for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate or rack and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
  • In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with Oaxaca and Cotija cheeses.
  • To build the torta, place the split bread rolls on a baking sheet. Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture on the split sides of the rolls. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and melted, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Toss the arugula with 1/4 cup of the soy and lime mixture from the Matador Guacamole. Top the bottom half rolls, with the cheese already melted on them, with the chicken, Matador Guacamole, and the dressed arugula. Cover with the top half of the rolls.

Notes

Torta de Milanesa con Guacamole de Chiles Toreados y Chicharron de Queso

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Smooth Guacamole
Print Recipe
4.50 from 8 votes

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 4 "Los Mochis, Street Taco Favorites"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almonds, bacon, chickpeas, corn tortillas, guacamole, guajillo chiles, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, tacos
Servings: 8 to 10 tacos approximately
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces bacon about 8 thick slices, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas rinsed, drained, patted dry
  • 3/4 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided
  • 1 guajillo chile rinsed, stemmed, seeded, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp rinsed, shelled and cleaned
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • Corn tortillas
  • Salsa de Guacamole

Instructions

  • In a large saute pan or casserole set over medium-high heat, fry the bacon for a couple minutes, until it starts rendering its fat. Add the chickpeas and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook until lightly browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Incorporate the guajillo chile and almonds, stir, cook for a minute, and scrape into a bowl.
  • Add the oil and butter to that same pan and once it melts and bubbles, add the shrimp and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook for about a minute and once the shrimp begin to brown, add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Turn off the heat. Incorporate the bacon and chickpea mix and taste for salt.
  • Heat the corn tortillas on a preheated comal or skillet set over medium-low heat. Tuck the shrimp mixture into the heated tortillas and top with Salsa de Guacamole.

Notes

Tacos de Camarón, Tocino y Garbanzos Crujientes con Guacamole

Pinto Bean Soup with Masa and Queso Fresco Dumplings

Pinto Bean Soup with Masa and Queso Fresco Dumplings
Print Recipe
4.60 from 10 votes

Pinto Bean Soup with Masa and Queso Fresco Dumplings

Pinto Bean Soup with Masa and Queso Fresco Dumplings recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 7 “Jinetes, Adventure in the Mountains”
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cilantro, green onions, masa, mexican crema, mint, onion, pati’s mexican table, pinto beans, queso fresco, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons canola or safflower oil divided
  • 1/2 white onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 pound (about 2) ripe Roma tomatoes cored and chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt divided, or to taste
  • 3 cups cooked pinto beans with 1 cup of their cooking broth
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth divided
  • 1 cup corn masa flour preferably the masa harina mix for tamales, but masa harina for tortillas also works
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves
  • Mexican crema optional, for garnish
  • Sliced scallions mint, cilantro and crushed dried chiltepín chiles or chiles de árbol, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy soup pot or casserole over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until it has completely softened, the edges are golden brown, and there is a toasted and sweet aroma wafting from the pot. Add the garlic clove and and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and has colored. Stir in the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes have cooked down to a soft, thick paste.
  • Add the beans along with 1 cup of their broth, as well as 4 cups of the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover partially and simmer for 10 minutes. The beans should be completely soft and the broth thick and soupy.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the masa for the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the corn masa flour with the water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Knead together with your hands. The dough will be very coarse and seem dry. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, queso fresco, cilantro, and mint, and mix together until the dough is very soft and homogenous, about 1 minute. Set aside.
  • Working in batches, puree the pinto bean soup in a blender until completely smooth. Pour back into the soup pot and whisk or stir in the remaining 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
  • Begin forming the dumplings. Scoop up enough masa to make 1-inch balls, roll them between your hands (moisten your hands with water if they stick and, one-by-one, gently drop them into the soup. Once all the masa balls have been shaped and added to the soup, gently stir with a wooden spoon to make sure none stick to the bottom. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 more minutes until the masa dumplings are cooked through. They will thicken the soup as they simmer.
  • Taste the soup for salt and add more if need be. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with a spoonful of fresh Mexican cream if desired. You may also sprinkle on some sliced scallions, mint, cilantro, and crushed chiltepín chiles or chiles de árbol for a punch of heat.
  • Note: If you are lucky enough to live next to a tortilleria or store that sells fresh corn masa, already mixed, go for it! You will need about 3/4 pound. Just mix it with the queso fresco, oil, mint, cilantro, and salt. If you can’t get ahold of fresh masa, rest assured that the corn masa made with masa harina for tamales or tortillas will still be excellent. If you have a choice between corn masa flour for tamales or for tortillas (they are two different products; masa harina for tamales will say so on the package), go for the tamal mix for these dumplings. The masa harina for tortillas is finer than the flour for tamales, but it will still work.

Notes

Sopa de Ombligo 

Matador Guacamole

Matador Guacamole
Print Recipe
4.75 from 8 votes

Matador Guacamole

Matador Guacamole recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 5 "A Taste of Mazatlán"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, chiles toreados, cilantro, guacamole, jalapeno, lime, pati’s mexican table, scallions
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 jalapeño chiles
  • 4 scallions
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 ripe avocados halved, meat scooped out and diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves

Instructions

  • Char the jalapeños and scallions on a preheated comal or skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, flipping often, until completely charred, wrinkled and softened. You can also do this under the broiler.
  • Once nicely softened and charred, slice the jalapeños and scallions and place in a medium bowl with the soy sauce and lime juice. Stir and let marinate for at least 10 minutes, this makes for matador chiles or chiles toreados.
  • In a medium bowl or in a molcajete, mash the avocados. Mix in the matador chiles, scallions, 1/4 cup of the soy and lime mixture (reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for the milanesa torta if making), and the cilantro.

Notes

Guacamole con Chiles Toreados

Salsa de Guacamole

Smooth Guacamole
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Salsa de Guacamole

Salsa de Guacamole recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 4 “Los Mochis, Street Taco Favorites”
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, jalapeno, lime, onion, serrano chiles, tomatillos
Servings: 2 cups approximately
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 large avocados halved, pitted, meat scooped out and chopped
  • 1 tomatillo husked, rinsed and quartered
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños or serrano chiles stemmed, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or more to taste
  • 2 to 3 ice cubes

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in the jar of the blender and pulse until completely smooth. You may add a chile at a time to taste for your desired heat level.

Notes

Salsa de Guacamole

Turnip Roots and Greens

Turnip Roots and Greens
Print Recipe
3.40 from 5 votes

Turnip Roots and Greens

Turnip Roots and Greens recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 3 “South by South of the Border with Vivian Howard”
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pati’s mexican table, sausage, turnips
Servings: 5 cups
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces semi-dry country-style link sausage removed from casings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 quarts water
  • 2 pounds turnip roots with their greens attached
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook until the sausage starts to brown. Pour in the water, cover, and bring it up to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, wash the roots and greens thoroughly. If you’re using Purple Top or another variety of large turnip, separate the roots from the greens and cut the roots into quarters. If you’re using Hakureis, you can leave them whole.
  • Make sure you still have 2 quarts of water in the saucepan and add the roots and greens at the same time. They will not be completely submerged right away, but check back in a minute or two and stir things around. The greens will have cooked down, and both the roots and greens should be submerged in the cooking liquid. If they are not, add just enough water to barely cover them.
  • Simmer covered for about 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the roots to be quite tender and the greens to be soft. Once they’re done, drain off all but 1/2 cup — pot liquour is the life-fixing chicken soup of the South.
  • Add the salt. If you have a collard chopper, roughly work through the roots, greens and sausage. The end product ain’t gonna be pretty, but it is delicious. If you don’t have a collard chopper, get one, and use a large fork in the meantime. Serve warm.

Notes

Recipe courtesy of Vivian Howard

Grandma Hill’s Hoecakes

Grandma Hill's Hoecakes
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Grandma Hill’s Hoecakes

Grandma Hill’s Hoecakes recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 3 “South by South of the Border with Vivian Howard”
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttermilk, cornmeal, onion, pati’s mexican table
Servings: 12 to 16 hoecakes
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 yellow onion diced
  • 3/4 cup water divided
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil divided

Instructions

  • If you plan to serve these within 20 minutes of cooking, preheat your oven to 200°In a medium bowl, sift together the cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Put the buttermilk and the onion in a blender and puree till it’s a homogenous liquid. Pour that plus 1/2 cup of the water into the cornmeal mixture and whisk to combine.
  • You’re looking for something akin to slightly loose pancake batter — a batter that, when you drop it into the skillet, spreads on its own, bubbles up around the edges, splatters a little. If you need to add more water to accomplish this, add the remaining water increments.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the edge of the pan to form 1 corn cake. If the batter sizzles a little, the pan’s ready. Continue to drop the batter around the perimeter of the pan, finishing off with one in the middle. Make sure you get as many of them in there as you can without letting them touch. Lower your heat slightly and cook on one side for about 3 minutes. When they’re brown on the cast-iron side and little bubbles are shooting up through the center of batter, flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Transfer the browned hoecakes to a baking sheet and hold them in the oven till you’re ready to eat. Add another tablespoon of oil and continue with the next batch.
  • If you, like my grandma, want to make these ahead and serve them a few hours later, warm them in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Do not use a microwave. The results will disappoint.

Notes

Hoecakes de la Abuela Hill, recipe courtesy of Vivian Howard

Chipotle Oyster Soup

Chipotle Oyster Soup
Print Recipe
4.45 from 9 votes

Chipotle Oyster Soup

Chipotle Oyster Soup recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 2 “Altata, Hidden Gem by the Sea of Cortez”
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carrots, celery, chile de arbol, chipotles in adobo, leeks, onion, oysters, seafood, seafood broth, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped white onion
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery divided
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped carrot divided
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped leeks divided
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons about 4 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce and their sauce, chopped, or to taste
  • 1 chile de arbol stemmed and chopped, seeds included
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 6 Roma tomatoes, roasted and charred, chopped
  • 1 pound about 12 to 15 shucked oysters and their juices
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 5 cups shrimp or seafood broth or substitute vegetable or chicken broth
  • Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Quartered limes to serve

Instructions

  • In a large casserole or soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Incorporate 1 cup each of the celery, carrot, and leeks (reserving half a cup of each for later use), cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have wilted. Make room in the middle of the pot and add the garlic, chipotles in adobo, and chile de arbol, cook for a minute, then mix with the vegetables and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, the juices from the oysters, salt, and oregano and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, until it is all simmering and thickening a bit. Add the broth, once it comes back to a simmer, continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
  • Once it cools off a little, puree in batches in the blender until completely smooth. If you want a very silky soup, strain back into the soup pot.
  • Bring the pureed soup back to a simmer over medium heat, add the remaining half a cup each of the celery, carrot, and leeks and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Incorporate the shucked oysters, cook for 1 minute until barely cooked through and turn off the heat.
  • Ladle into soup bowls, garnish with cilantro and offer your guests a quartered lime to squeeze in fresh juice before they eat.

Notes

Sopa de Ostion Enchipotlada

Adobo Pork Butt

Adobo Pork Butt
Print Recipe
4.67 from 15 votes

Adobo Pork Butt

Adobo Pork Butt recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 3 “South by South of the Border with Vivian Howard”
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, apple cider vinegar, guajillo chiles, orange juice, pati’s mexican table, piloncillo, pork
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 1/2 pound ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1 white onion quartered
  • 6 unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 2 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons grated piloncillo or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the meat:

  • 1 4- to 5- pound pork butt or shoulder bone in
  • 3 bay leaves

Instructions

To make the marinade:

  • Put the tomatoes, onion and garlic on a baking sheet lined with foil. Place under the broiler for about 10 minutes until charred, mushy, and soft, flipping once halfway through. Remove from the oven and once cool enough to handle, peel the garlic cloves. (Alternatively, you can char and toast on a preheated comal or skillet set over medium-low heat.)
  • Place tomatoes, peeled garlic and onion in the jar of a blender.
  • Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles on a heated comal or skillet for about a minute, flipping a few times, until lightly browned and fragrant. Place the chiles in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and simmer about 10 minutes until soft and rehydrated.
  • Transfer the rehydrated chiles, along with 1 cup of their cooking liquid, to the blender with the other ingredients. Add in the orange juice, vinegar, piloncillo, marjoram, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper and puree until completely smooth. Let cool.

To roast the meat:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F with the rack set in the bottom third.
  • With a small paring knife, pierce the pork butt all over so it will absorb the marinade. Place it in a large oven-proof casserole or baking dish and cover with the marinade* and add the bay leaves. Cover with a tight fitting lid or aluminum foil.
  • Place in the oven and roast for 3 hours or until meat is completely tender. Remove from the oven and raise the temperature to 375°Carefully remove the lid or foil, baste the sauce all over the meat and return to the oven, continue cooking another 20 to 30 minutes until browned on top.
  • Transfer the meat to a chopping board and let rest. Meanwhile cook the sauce in the casserole over medium-high heat or until thickened to a gravy consistency, about 15 to 20 minutes. Slice the meat, coarsely chop if desired, and place on a platter and dress with the sauce.
  • *Note: You can marinate the meat for up to 48 hours or roast right away.

Notes

Pierna de Cerdo Adobada

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 2 “Altata, Hidden Gem by the Sea of Cortez”
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: burritos, Chipotle, flour tortillas, pati’s mexican table, potatoes, seafood, serrano chiles, Shrimp
Servings: 8 burritos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 dried morita or chipotle chiles
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp shelled and rinsed
  • 3/4 pound red potatoes peeled and cut into small dice
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 serrano chile stemmed and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • Flour tortillas
  • Serrano Salsa Cruda

Instructions

  • Place the morita or chipotle chiles in a bowl, cover with hot water and let soak for 10 minutes. Remove from the water, stem, seed and finely chop.
  • In a medium pot, bring heavily salted water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, just until cooked through. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon, set aside. When the shrimp have cooled down, working in batches, place in a plastic bag and mash with a meat pounder or a heavy flat-bottomed utensil (such as a small skillet or pan), until broken apart and mashed.
  • Add the potatoes to the same simmering water and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until soft and cooked through. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Add the serrano and morita or chipotle chiles, stir and cook for a minute. Add the garlic and sesame seeds, stir, and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the sesame seeds have toasted and browned. Add the tomatoes and salt and cook until the tomatoes become super soft and pasty, about 5 minutes.
  • Incorporate the mashed shrimp and cooked potatoes, stir well, and mash as it all comes together for another minute. Taste for salt.
  • Heat the tortillas on a preheated comal or skillet. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the shrimp machaca and potato filling to each tortilla and roll into burritos. Once assembled, you can heat them on the comal or skillet for another minute if you want them a bit toasted or eat them soft just as they are assembled. Serve with Serrano Salsa Cruda.

Notes

Burritos de Machaca de Camarón con Papa

Drowned Taquitos

Taquitos Dorados Ahogados
Print Recipe
4.56 from 9 votes

Drowned Taquitos  

Drowned Taquitos recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 1 “A Local's Tour of Culiacán”
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Antojos
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef, corn tortillas, guajillo chiles, mexican crema, pickled red onions, potatoes, queso fresco, taquitos
Servings: 40 taquitos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the taquitos:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast rump roast or other stewing meats, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 white onion halved
  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 Roma tomato
  • 2 carrots cut into large pieces
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 Yukon Gold potatoes halved
  • 1 cup refried pinto beans
  • 40 corn tortillas
  • Wooden toothpicks
  • Vegetable oil for frying

To Serve:

  • 1 head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • Pickled red onions

Instructions

  • Place the meat, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, chiles, peppercorns, tomato, carrots, and salt in a large casserole or soup pot. Fill with water until covered by at least an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, skim off any foam that may formed on top, and cover and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes, and continue simmering for another 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the meat is easy to shred and the potatoes are fork tender.
  • Transfer the meat and potatoes to a large bowl. Strain the broth into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about another 30 minutes until reduced slightly.
  • Meanwhile, place the meat on a cutting board and finely chop. Mash the potatoes in the bowl, and add the refried beans and chopped meat. Mix until combined and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a comal or a dry skillet over medium heat until hot. Heat the tortillas on the comal or skillet for about 30 to 40 seconds per side; this will prevent them from breaking when rolling them into taquitos. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of shredded beef on one side of each tortilla and roll them up tightly, inserting a wooden toothpick through the seam to hold them together. You can insert a toothpick through 2 to 3 taquitos at a time, so they will fry evenly and hold their shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  • Fill another heavy pan or large casserole with about an inch of oil. Heat over medium heat for at least 5 minutes before frying the taquitos.
  • Once the oil is hot, gently drop in the taquitos in batches, being careful to not overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they have crisped and turned golden, about 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the taquitos from the oil and put them on a plate or tray lined with paper towels.
  • To serve, place 3 to 4 taquitos on a rimmed plate. Top with shredded cabbage, crema, queso fresco, and pickled red onions. Pour hot broth onto the taquitos and serve drowned! Or, you can serve the broth on the side for dunking, or for people to drown the taquitos as they please.

Notes

Taquitos Ahogados

Enchiladas from the Floor

Enchiladas de Suelo or Enchiladas from the Floor
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Enchiladas from the Floor

Enchiladas from the Floor recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 801 "A Local's Tour of Culiacán"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, Avocado, cheese, Chorizo, corn tortillas, enchiladas, queso, Sinaloa, Tomatoes, Zucchini
Servings: 12 open enchiladas, serves 6 as a main dish
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus more for frying
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, plus more for boiling water
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup slivered red onion
  • 5 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 ripe tomatoes divided, 1 whole and 1 cut into thin slices
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped white onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pound zucchini halved lengthwise and cut into half-moons of about 1/2-inch
  • 1 pound Mexican chorizo casings removed, chopped
  • 12 corn tortillas store-bought or homemade
  • 6 leaves of romaine lettuce rinsed and thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces (about 5 to 6) radishes halved lengthwise and cut into half-moons of about 1/2-inch
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, cut into thin slices
  • 1 cucumber peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into slices
  • 1 cup crumbled queso Cotija, ranchero or fresco

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with the vegetable oil, a teaspoon of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Add the red onion, stir, and let macerate for at least 15 minutes or while you prepare the rest of the dish. 
  • Place the ancho chiles, garlic clove, and the whole tomato in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Set over medium-high heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the chiles have rehydrated and the tomato is cooked and mushy.
  • Transfer the chiles, tomato, and garlic clove, along with 1 cup of their cooking liquid, to a blender. Add the chopped onion, oregano, remaining tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper and puree until completely smooth. Pour into a medium skillet and set aside.
  • Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini and blanch for 30 seconds. Strain, or remove with a spider, and set aside in a bowl. 
  • In a medium skillet or saute pan, fry the chorizo over medium-high heat, crumbling it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, for about 6 minutes until crisp and brown. Add a tablespoon or so of vegetable oil if the chorizo doesn’t have enough fat to fry. Scrape into a bowl and set aside. 
  • Pour about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, dip each tortilla one-by-one into the ancho chile sauce until drenched, then gently place it into the hot oil and let fry for about 20 seconds, remove with a slotted spatula and set on a plate. Arrange 2 per person on dinner plates. Cover each tortilla with lettuce, zucchini, radishes and arrange slices of avocado, tomato, cucumber on top. Finally, top with the chorizo, pickled red onions, and crumbled queso.

Notes

Enchiladas de Suelo

Chorizo Stuffed Pork Roast with Three Chiles Adobo

Chorizo Stuffed Pork Roast
Print Recipe
4.29 from 7 votes

Chorizo Stuffed Pork Roast with Three Chiles Adobo

Chorizo Stuffed Pork Roast with Three Chiles Adobo from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 1 "Tijuana’s Culinary Revolution"
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: adobo, apple, Chorizo, pati's mexican table, pork, roast
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 2 pasilla chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 ripe tomato
  • 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 pounds boneless pork loin butterflied to ¼” thickness

For the filling:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 pound Mexican chorizo casings removed, chopped
  • 3 ounces bacon slices coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 Granny Smith or a tart green apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe plantain peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Instructions

For the marinade:

  • Place the pasilla, ancho and guajillo chiles along with the garlic and tomato in a saucepan. Cover with water, set over medium-high heat, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chiles are rehydrated and the tomato is cooked and mushy.
  • Using tongs or a slotted spoon, place the cooked vegetables into the jar of a blender, and add 1 cup of their simmering liquid along with the white distilled vinegar, cumin, allspice, oregano, salt and pepper. Puree until completely smooth.
  • You can ask the butcher to butterfly the pork loin at ¼” thickness, or you can do it yourself: Using a sharp knife, make a 1/4" deep horizontal cut into the center of the loin, then pull the cut piece back without detaching and continue making 1/4" cuts as if rolling out a fruit roll or plastic wrap. Place the loin between two large pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound to even out the thickness of the meat, as well as tenderize a bit. If the butterflied meat is way too big, cut in half, so that you have two pieces of about 10”x5”.
  • Pour about half of the marinade into the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the butterflied loin in the dish so that the bottom of the meat gets covered in marinade. Pour the rest of the marinade on top of the loin and spread to cover.
  • Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the filling:

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, cook the chorizo for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the chorizo starts rendering its fat and browning a bit, add the bacon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to brown. Add the onion, celery, apple and plantain, and cook until softened and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the almonds and salt, stir and remove from heat.
  • Scrape the filling onto the butterflied loin - if you have two pieces, divide it among both pieces. Spread all over, leaving about an inch around the edge so the filling doesn’t escape as you roll up the loin. Gently roll up the loin, without trying to pack or squeeze as you do - just try to contain the filling within the loin.
  • Place the rolled loin on a chopping board, and using butcher’s twine, roast tie the loin at intervals of about 1” from top to bottom. Return it to the the baking dish with the marinade, cover with aluminum foil and roast for 50 minutes. Raise heat to 400, remove the baking dish from oven, carefully take off the foil, and place back in the oven uncovered. Roast for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the meat has reached an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees and the top has beautifully browned. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before cutting off the twine and slicing.
  • To serve, slice and place on a platter, then pour the remaining marinade from the baking dish on top.

Notes

Lomo Relleno a los Tres Chiles

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Governor Shrimp Tacos
Print Recipe
4.58 from 7 votes

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Governor Shrimp Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 1 "Tijuana’s Culinary Revolution" 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Mexican, pati's mexican table, Shrimp, Sinaloa, Taco
Servings: 6 Tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 white onion slivered
  • 2 poblano chiles stemmed, seeded, slivered
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 ripe Roma tomatoes cored, seeded, slivered
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds (about 11-15) shelled large shrimp cut into large chunks
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca, mozzarella, asadero or Muenster cheese
  • 6 to 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado for garnish
  • 1 Chile Manzano sliced and mixed with the juice of a lime, 1/4 red onion and salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once it melts and begins to bubble, add the onion and poblano and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate the tomatoes, cook for a minute, and as they begin to soften, add the sauce from the chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well, cook for another minute, then add the shrimp and cook just until they change color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and scrape into a bowl to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
  • On a preheated comal set over low heat, heat the tortillas on both sides for a minute. Add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese onto each one. Once the cheese begins to melt, add a generous amount of the shrimp mixture, fold in half and continue heating until cheese has completely melted and the tortillas have begun to lightly brown and create a crust.
  • Serve with sliced avocado and Manzano chiles and onion.

Video

Notes

Tacos Gobernador de Camarón

Drowned Tortas

Tortas Ahogadas
Print Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes

Drowned Tortas

Drowned Tortas, recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 2 "Tijuana: Stories from the Border"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Ahogadas, Carnitas, Mexican, Salsa, Sandwich, Tomato, Torta
Servings: 8 to 10 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

To make the tomato salsa:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes coarsely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup chopped white onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water more or less to taste

To make the spicy salsa:

  • 5 to 8 chiles de arbol stemmed, more or less to taste
  • 1 pound ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped white onion
  • 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

To assemble:

Instructions

To make the tomato salsa:

  • Place all the tomatoes, garlic, onion, marjoram, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper into the jar of a blender and puree until completely smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once very hot, but not smoking, pour in the tomato sauce. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and seasons. Add the chicken broth, stir, and cook a couple minutes more. Turn off the heat and set aside.

To make the spicy salsa:

  • Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chiles de arbol, and toast for about 1 minute, flipping them around as they do. Remove and set aside.
  • Place the tomatoes and garlic in a saucepan, cover with water, and place over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the tomatoes and garlic to the jar of a blender, along with a cup of their cooking liquid, the toasted chiles de arbol (you can add gradually if you choose), onion, vinegar, cumin and salt. Puree until completely smooth. Taste for vinegar, salt and heat, and adjust accordingly.
  • Heat the oil in saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the pureed sauce, partially cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened, darkened and seasoned.

To assemble the tortas ahogadas:

  • Have the warm carnitas shredded, the bread lightly toasted and the salsas heated.Slice the birotes to create a pocket for the filling, without cutting all the way through. One at a time, with the opening towards the ceiling, tuck in copious amounts of carnitas. Cut in half, place in a soup bowl or deep plate that can withhold sauces. Pour the tomato sauce on top first, and then ladle on as much spicy sauce as each guest desires.

Notes

Tortas Ahogadas

Border Pintos

Border Pintos
Print Recipe
4.89 from 9 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

Arugula Avocado Salad with Date and Walnut Vinaigrette

Arugula Avocado Salad with Date and Walnut Vinaigrette
Print Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes

Arugula Avocado Salad with Date and Walnut Vinaigrette

Arugula Avocado Salad with Date and Walnut Vinaigrette from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7,  Episode 5 "Mexican Wine Country"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, date, pati's mexican table, salad, walnut
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 6 unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 2 to 3 chiles de arbol stemmed
  • 1 copious spoonful fresh oregano leaves or from 2 to 3 sprigs of oregano
  • 1/3 cup sherry vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 4 to 6 medjool dates pitted and finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup walnuts
  • 5 to 6 ounces baby arugula
  • 1 to 2 ripe avocados halved, pitted, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil and vegetable oil in a small saucepan set over low heat, add the unpeeled garlic cloves and chiles de arbol and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The oils should be gently bubbling. Remove from heat and add in the fresh oregano leaves. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • With a slotted spoon, remove the garlic cloves from the oil and, when cool enough to handle, peel off their skin. Place them into the jar of a blender along with the oils, chiles de arbol, oregano leaves, vinegar, mustard and salt. Puree until completely smooth. Scrape into a bowl and set the vinaigrette aside.
  • Place a saute pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the walnuts and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring as they begin to lightly brown. Remove from the heat, let cool and chop.
  • Incorporate the chopped walnuts and dates into the vinaigrette, toss and let sit. You can make the vinaigrette 12 hours ahead of time. Stir before using.
  • In a salad bowl, toss the arugula with the vinaigrette. Top with avocado chunks and queso fresco. Serve.

Notes

Ensalada de Arúgula y Aguacate con Vinagreta de Dátil y Nuez de Castilla

Brown Sugar Carnitas

brown sugar carnitas
Print Recipe
4.55 from 11 votes

Brown Sugar Carnitas

Brown Sugar Carnitas from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 2 "Tijuana: Stories from the Border"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: brown sugar, Carnitas, pati's mexican table, pork
Servings: 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lard, vegetable shortening or oil
  • 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt fat on, cut into 3” chunks
  • 4 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups milk divided
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 white onion coarsely chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Heat the lard in a large Dutch oven or heavy casserole over medium-high heat. Season the meat with 2 teaspoons of the salt and the black pepper. Once the lard has melted, add the meat, brown on all sides, stirring and flipping as it does, for about 10 to 12 minutes.
  • In the jar of a blender, pour 1 ½ cups of the milk and add the garlic, onion and remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Puree until smooth. Pour over the meat and let it come to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, drop in the bay leaves, and cover. Cook covered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, flipping the chunks of meat a couple times in between.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup milk with the sugar. Pour over the carnitas, stir, and let them continue to cook, uncovered, for another 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and place in a bowl. Shred with a couple forks, add a couple tablespoons of the seasoned fat remaining in the casserole and toss.

Notes

Carnitas Caramelizadas

Garlic and Cumin Rubbed Chicken

Garlic and Cumin Rubbed Chicken
Print Recipe
4.50 from 10 votes

Garlic and Cumin Rubbed Chicken

Garlic and Cumin Rubbed Chicken from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 5 "Mexican Wine Country"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken, cumin, garlic, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried chipotle chiles stemmed and seeded, moritas
  • 15 garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt or more to taste
  • 1/3 cup olive oil plus more for greasing the baking sheet
  • 1 3-4 pound chicken cut up into 10 serving pieces (breasts cuthalf)
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  • Place the ancho and chipotle chiles in a saucepan, cover with water and set over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Simmer at medium heat for 10 minutes, until the chiles are completely rehydrated.
  • Place the rehydrated chiles into the jar of a blender, along with 1/2 cup of their simmering liquid, the garlic, cumin seeds, salt and olive oil. Puree until completely smooth. Scrape into a bowl and let it cool.
  • Place the chicken in a container and cover completely with the garlic and cumin marinade. You can marinate it covered in the refrigerator up to two days. But you may also roast it right away without marinating ahead of time.
  • If you marinated the chicken ahead of time, remove it from the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Generously grease a baking pan with oil. Place the chicken on the pan skin side down and sprinkle with a little salt. Put it in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Carefully remove it from the oven, reduce the temperature to 375 degrees, flip over the chicken pieces and spoon any of the marinade on the bottom of the pan over the chicken pieces. Pour the chicken broth onto the bottom of the pan and return to the oven. Roast for 45 to 50 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear – and there are barely any juices when pierced with a knife.

Notes

Pollo Ajocomino

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 6 "Loreto: Baja’s Hidden Gem"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chorizo, clams, mexican pasta, pasta, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 dozen small littleneck clams
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/2 pound chorizo casings removed and chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 5 garlic cloves pressed or finely chopped
  • 2 chiles de arbol stemmed, chopped (keep the seeds), or more to taste
  • 1 cup light beer that you like to drink
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves

Instructions

  • Rinse and scrub the clams under cold water, making sure they are closed and unbroken. Discard any that aren’t closed. Drain well.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large pot or casserole set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chorizo, breaking it into smaller pieces with two wooden spatulas or spoons, and fry until it begins to crisp and brown, about 4 minutes. Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl.
  • Add the 2 remaining tablespoons of olive oil to the rendered chorizo fat and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for a couple minutes until softened. Add the garlic and chile de arbol and cook for a minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the chile de arbol begins to toast. Pour in the beer, add the salt, and once it comes to a simmer, incorporate the drained clams. Let it come to a simmer again, cover with a lid, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until the shells open.
  • Remove the lid and transfer the clams using a slotted spoon into a bowl, including the ones that may have fallen from the shells. Raise the heat to medium-high and continue to cook the beer-clam liquid for 6 to 7 minutes, so it strongly simmers and a lot of the alcohol evaporates. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and honey. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once in between.
  • Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove about 3 dozen clams from their shells and discard those shells. Remove the lid from the pot with the sauce and incorporate the cooked chorizo, shelled clams, and the clams still in their shells. Mix well.
  • Strain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce. Toss until it is coated. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and garnish with the parsley and cilantro and serve.

Notes

Pasta con Salsa Picante de Chorizo y Almejas

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 6 "Loreto: Baja’s Hidden Gem"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: calamari, cannellini beans, chiles de arbol, endive, lettuce, pati's mexican table, pistachios, Radicchio, salad, squid
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds calamari cleaned
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more to oil grill and drizzle on lettuces
  • 2 chiles de arbol coarsely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1/4 cup pistachios coarsely chopped
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1 small head radicchio quartered
  • 2 heads endive halved
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Clean the calamari bodies, season with salt and pepper, and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Pat dry thoroughly.
  • In a small skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the chile de arbol, garlic, pistachios and lemon, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything is toasted and the oil is infused with flavor. Remove from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the lemon, pistachio, garlic and chiles and reserve. Pour the remaining oil into a large bowl.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan on high heat. Oil grill thoroughly. Add the calamari to the grill in batches. Grill until lightly charred and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining calamari. Slice the calamari into ½-inch rings.
  • Drizzle the radicchio and endive with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot grill and grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until lightly charred and wilted. Remove from the grill and place on a platter.
  • In the large bowl with the seasoned oil, whisk in the red wine vinegar and squeeze in the juice from the fried lemon. Add the reserved pistachio mixture and the cannellini beans to the bowl and toss to coat. Spread over the grilled lettuces already on the platter, top with the calamari, and sprinkle with cilantro.

Notes

Ensalada de Calamar, Achicoria y Endivias Asadas

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce
Print Recipe
4.23 from 9 votes

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7,  Episode 7 "La Paz: The Heart of Baja Sur"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Keyword: fish, halibut, peppers, red snapper, rockfish, white fish
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion halved and slivered
  • 1 yellow bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 green bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 chile manzano stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 jalapeño sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup peanut oil plus more for searing the fish
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or grated piloncillo
  • 1 cup fish chicken, or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt plus more to season the fish
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 6 6-oz halibut rockfish or red snapper fillets (or any mild white fish)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Corn tortillas for serving

Instructions

  • To make the five pepper sauce: Place the red onion, bell peppers, chile manzano and jalapeño in a medium heatproof bowl and set aside. Heat the peanut oil and sesame oil in a saucepan set over medium heat for a couple minutes. Once hot, pour in the vinegar, stir, and cook for a minute. Add the sugar, stir, and cook until it completely dilutes. Add the broth and the salt, stir, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Remove from the heat. Pour it over the vegetables while hot. Add the lime juice, taste for salt, stir and let sit while you cook the fish.
  • Heat a couple tablespoons of peanut oil in a nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the fish for 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish, or until it can be flaked with a fork.
  • Transfer the fish to a platter and dress with the five pepper sauce. Serve with warmed corn tortillas.

Notes

Pescado con Salsa Agridulce Picante

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice
Print Recipe
4.67 from 9 votes

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 7 "La Paz: The Heart of Baja Sur"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: coconut, pati's mexican table, rice
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups jasmine white rice or extra long white rice
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream of coconut
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • Salted and toasted coconut flakes to garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until it becomes milky white, crackles and feels heavier as you stir it, about 3 minutes. Make room in the center of the pan, add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and mixing with the rice, until the onion begins to soften.
  • Add the chicken broth, cream of coconut and salt and stir well. Raise the heat to high, bring to a rolling boil, stir, cover and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed but there is still some moisture in the pan. The rice should be cooked and tender; if it is not, but all the liquid has been absorbed, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover again, and cook for a couple more minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with salted and toasted coconut flakes, and serve.

Notes

Arroz con Coco

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos
Print Recipe
4.45 from 9 votes

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 3 "Ensenada's Epic Seafood"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Baja, California, Cod, fish, Mexican, Taco, Tilapia
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra flour for dusting the fish
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt or to taste, plus more to season the fish
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup Mexican beer preferably a light beer (but anything short of a very dark bitter beer will work)
  • Safflower or canola oil for frying
  • 1 pound mild firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut, cut into 1x4-inch strips
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a standing mixer, set with the paddle attachment, beat the egg whites at medium speed until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Remove the bowl from the mixer.
  • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt and cumin and whisk in the Mexican beer. In 4 additions, gently fold the flour mixture into the egg whites, taking care not to deflate the egg whites.
  • Pour the oil into a heavy, wide skillet or casserole to a depth of ¼” and heat over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Test the heat by dipping a wooden spoon or the tip of a piece of fish into the oil: it should bubble happily around whatever you introduce into it. Set a cooling rack on a baking sheet and cover the rack with paper towels. If you don’t have a cooling rack, just cover the baking sheet with paper towels.
  • While the oil is heating, you can season and flour the fish strips. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Place flour on a plate, and gently press each fish strip into the flour, flip over and flour the other side. Tap off excess flour and place on the rack.
  • When the oil is hot, one by one, dip the floured fish strips into the batter and immediately, but gently, place into the hot oil. Add as many as you can without crowding the pan. Fry until crisp and lightly golden brown, which should take 2 to 3 minutes; then flip and fry on the other side, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden.
  • Remove with tongs - the type with the heat-proof coating on the ends are best, if you want to avoid tearing the batter - or a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel-covered rack. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Serve on a flour tortilla with salsa macha and creamy slaw. Optional, pickled red onion and a jalapeño marinated in fresh squeezed lime juice and salt to taste.

Notes

Tacos de Pescado Cali-Baja

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano

Huachinango Frito con Jamaica, Epazote y Oregano
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 8 "Road Trippin’ with Javier Plascencia"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chiles de arbol, fish, flowers, hibiscus, mojarras, pati's mexican table, red snapper
Servings: 4 to 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried epazote leaves
  • 1/4 cup dried oregano
  • 2 to 3 chiles de arbol stemmed, toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup tablespoon all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon to coat the fish
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Vegetable oil for frying fish
  • 4 to 6 whole mojarras (or 2-3 pounds red snapper) opened and cleaned up
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Juice of 2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup sliced scallions white and light green parts
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of the stems
  • Corn tortillas to serve

Instructions

  • To make the hibiscus powder: In a food processor, add the chopped hibiscus flowers, dried epazote, dried oregano, chiles de arbol, 1 tablespoon flour, 2 teaspoons of the salt and the black pepper. Pulse until completely ground. Incorporate the lime and orange zest, pulse again until mixed. Set aside.
  • Fill a large heavy cast iron pan or casserole halfway with oil set over medium heat to preheat.
  • Meanwhile, spread 1 cup of flour on a baking sheet. Rinse the fish and pat dry very well. Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal slices into both sides of the fish, going into the skin and meat, but stopping at the bones. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the hibiscus powder and set aside. Use the remaining hibiscus powder to season inside of the slices and over the fish. Then, one by one, place the seasoned fish on the baking sheet and pat them with the flour, giving them a light coat.
  • Test the oil with a small piece of fish to make sure that it will actively bubble around the fish. Then, one by one or two by two, without crowding the pan, drop in the fish and fry for 6 to 8 minutes per side, making sure that it is completely cooked – the meat should flake with a fork.
  • Transfer to a cooling rack or a cutting board covered with paper towel. Once you are done with all the fish, and they have drained, place on a large platter.
  • To make the hibiscus citrus chunky, chunky sauce: Combine the 3 reserved tablespoons of hibiscus powder, the lime juice, orange juice, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a small mixing bowl. Stir and add the scallions and cilantro, mix well. Taste and add more salt if need be.
  • Serve the fish along with the hibiscus citrus chunky, chunky sauce and warm corn tortillas.

Notes

Huachinango Frito con Jamaica, Epazote y Orégano 

Jalapeño Garlic Crispy Potatoes

Jalapeño Garlic Crispy Potatoes
Print Recipe
4.50 from 10 votes

Jalapeño Garlic Crispy Potatoes

Jalapeño Garlic Crispy Potatoes from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 8 "Road Trippin’ with Javier Plascencia"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: garlic, jalapeno, pati's mexican table, potatoes, roasted potatoes
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds red bliss potatoes rinsed, cut into bite size chunks
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, more to taste
  • 7 cloves of garlic pressed or finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño stemmed and finely chopped (keep the seeds)

Instructions

  • Set a rack on the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the potatoes in 9”x13” baking dish. Toss with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and a teaspoon of the salt. Roast for 45 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic, jalapeño, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, mix well.
  • After 45 minutes, remove potatoes them from the oven and toss with the jalapeño mix, scraping the bottom of the baking dish as you do. Mix well and place back in the oven for another 35 minutes, flipping and scraping once in between, until completely crisped up. Serve.

Notes

Papas Crujientes con Ajo y Jalapeño

Jalapeño Garlic Cheesy Bread

Jalapeño and Garlic Cheesy Bread
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Jalapeño Garlic Cheesy Bread

Jalapeño Garlic Cheesy Bread from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 6 "Loreto: Baja’s Hidden Gem"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: garlic bread, jalapeno, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese shredded
  • 1 cup muenster cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Cut slits three-quarters of the way through a baguette about 1-inch apart, making sure not to cut all the way through the baguette.
  • In a bowl, mix together the butter, jalapeno, garlic and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the cheeses. Spread a little of the butter mixture into each of the slits, and press the cheese mixture into the slits, using all the cheese and butter and filling all the slits.
  • Put the baguette onto the baking sheet lined with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the baguette is golden brown.

Notes

Pan de Ajo con Jalapeños y Queso

Tomato and Avocado Salad with Queso Fresco

Tomato and Avocado Salad with Queso Fresco
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Tomato and Avocado Salad with Queso Fresco

Tomato and Avocado Salad with Queso Fresco from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 8 "Road Trippin’ with Javier Plascencia"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, cheese, mexican cheese, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, salad, Tomato
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 large beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes cut into wedges
  • 1/4 red onion slivered
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt plus more to season the dressing
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

  • Arrange the tomatoes, onion and avocado on a platter. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of pepper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lime juice, sugar and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the platter and sprinkle the queso fresco evenly over the top. Finish with a little more salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Ensalada de Jitomate y Aguacate con Queso Fresco

Veggie Loaded Mexican Lasagna

Veggie Loaded Mexican Lasagna
Print Recipe
4.56 from 9 votes

Veggie Loaded Mexican Lasagna

Veggie Loaded Mexican Lasagna recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 9 "The Godmother of Cabo Cuisine"
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mexican
Keyword: Corn, Lasagna, Mushroom, Poblano, Spinach, Vegetable, Vegetarian, Zucchini
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the Spinach and Mushroom filling:

  • 1 pound baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 leek halved, rinsed, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 14-16 scallions white and light green parts thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and finely chopped or pressed
  • 8 ounces mushrooms cleaned and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cups requesón or ricotta cheese

For the Zucchini, Poblano and Corn filling:

  • 2 zucchinis (about 1 pound) diagonally and thinly sliced to about 1/8”
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt or to taste, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 large white onions halved, slivered
  • 4 poblano peppers roasted, sweated, cleaned, peeled and cut into julienne or slices
  • 1 ear of corn kernels shaved off (about 1 cup)

For the Salsa Roja (makes about 4 cups):

  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 serrano or jalapeño chile more to taste
  • 1 1-inch thick slice of a large white onion (about 2 ounces), peeled
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

To assemble the Lasagna:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for greasing baking dish
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups grated Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) grated Cotija cheese or Parmesano Reggiano

Instructions

To make the spinach and mushroom filling:

  • Bring salted water to boil in a medium saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the spinach and cook just for a minute, until it completely wilts. Drain and squeeze out as much water as possible with cheesecloth, a clean kitchen towel, or a wooden spoon. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the leek and scallions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for a minute, until fragrant. Raise the heat to medium high, wait a minute, and add the sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle in a teaspoon salt and black pepper, let them brown for a minute or two, and continue to cook until they let out their juices and begin to brown again, 4 to 5 minutes more. Once their juices have almost evaporated, add the chopped spinach, mix well, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, until all the spinach juices evaporate. Turn off the heat, set aside, and let cool to room temperature.
  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs, add the requeson or ricotta cheese, the remaining teaspoon salt, and mix well. Combine with the spinach and mushroom mixture and set aside.

To make the zucchini, poblano and corn filling:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat and season the zucchini slices with about ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is hot, working in batches, brown the zucchini slices for a minute or so per side and transfer to a platter covered with paper towels. Set aside when you are done.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan, for 7 to 8 minutes, until they have completely wilted and have browned around the edges. Add the poblano pepper strips and 1 teaspoon salt, stir, and continue to cook for another couple minutes. Make room in the middle of the pan, add the corn kernels and cook for a couple minutes, stirring to combine with the rest of the mix. Remove from the heat and taste for salt, adding more if need be. Set aside.

To make the salsa roja:

  • Place the tomatoes, garlic and chiles in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy. Place the tomatoes, garlic and chiles into a blender, along with the onion and salt and process until completely smooth.
  • Heat the oil in medium saucepan set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, pour in the pureed tomato mixture, cover partially with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring here and there. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and cook for another 5 minutes, until well seasoned and thickened. Set aside.

To assemble the lasagna:

  • Generously butter a 9”x13” baking dish. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the lasagna noodles per package instructions, or for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring them as they cook so they won’t stick. Drain and immediately lay them out them on an oiled baking sheet.
  • Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spread about 1/2 cup tomato sauce onto the bottom of the buttered baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, draping them so they coat the entire surface. Spread half the spinach and mushroom filling over the noodles.
  • Place a second layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Top with half of the poblano and corn mixture and half of the zucchini slices. Cover with about a cup of the salsa roja.
  • Place a third layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Top with the other half of the spinach and mushroom filling.
  • Place a fourth layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Add the remaining half of the poblano and corn mixture, the rest of the zucchini slices, and about a cup of the salsa roja.
  • Place fifth layer of cooked lasagna noodles and cover with the remaining cup of tomato sauce. Add the grated Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, and top with the Cotija cheese or parmesano reggiano.
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure it is tight all around the edges, but that there is a lot of space over the cheese - like a tent or bubble - so the aluminum is not very close to the cheese on top.
  • Place baking dish on a baking sheet and put into the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then carefully remove the aluminum foil and return to the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. The top should have melted, browned and begun to crisp along the edges. Remove from the oven and let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting into it.

Notes

Lasaña de Verduras a la Mexicana