Meaning & use
chilaquiles
Last updated
UK/ˌtʃiːləˈkiːleɪz/
US/ˌtʃiləˈkiles/
Meaning
nounplural
A Mexican dish of fried tortilla pieces simmered in red or green salsa, often topped with cheese, cream, and eggs.
Grammar: Always plural in form; use a plural verb: the chilaquiles were spicy.
Patterns
- chilaquiles with eggs
- chilaquiles verdes
We ordered chilaquiles for breakfast.
The chilaquiles were crisp on top and soft underneath.
She makes chilaquiles from leftover tortillas.
Common combinations
- red chilaquiles
- The cafe serves red chilaquiles with a fried egg.
- green chilaquiles
- I prefer green chilaquiles to red.
- chilaquiles with eggs
- He ate chilaquiles with eggs.
- make chilaquiles
- They make chilaquiles on Sunday mornings.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nachos
- Nachos are crisp chips with toppings, while chilaquiles are simmered in sauce until softened.
- migas
- Migas is a related dish with eggs mixed through tortilla strips, usually less saucy.
- tortilla casserole
- A tortilla casserole is baked in layers, while chilaquiles are cooked in a pan.
Word family
Commonly confused: chilaquiles or chile rellenos?
chilaquiles vs chile rellenos
Chiles rellenos are stuffed peppers, a completely different dish.
Practice
What is the main ingredient of chilaquiles?
Choose one answer.
Chilaquiles are built on fried tortilla pieces in salsa. The other ingredients are not the base.
Make it your own
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