Nachos

One of the most memorable food that I tasted after coming to the United States was Nachos.The definition of Nachos in many online sources is basically "Tortilla chips topped with cheese , hot peppers ......." and the list goes on. The base of nachos is definitely tortilla chips and cheese.

Its origins are from neighboring Mexico, but it also has some relation with America in the background. Ill explain how:

Sixty eight years ago from today, Nachos was created by Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya in 1943. The creation basically began in Mexico with a bunch of hungry American soldiers coming into a restaurant owned by Ignacio's father. Incidentally (or rather ..... thankfully!) papa Ignacio was MIA, so Ignacio decided to put 'something' together to feed their hungry stomachs. Remember before this point Nacho was unknown to the world. This was the beginning of something wonderful. What Ignacio put together was some tostados (deep fried tortilla), over which he put some cheese, then toasted it and added a jalapeno to finish it off. [Source1, Source2]

That was the original recipe. Nachos today has so many variations. Its amazing that with such a humble beginning, nachos have become one of the most well known dishes served today in American restaurants.

Its weird but I was inspired to make nachos was a seasoning packet for tacos at a supermarket. It all started from there. So here is my version of it (and of course I added the cheese and the jalapenos!)

If you notice, i haven't added any measurements for the ingredients. It all depends on one's taste.

SIMPLE NACHOS:

Ingredients:

1. Tortilla Chips (unsalted, or salted if you prefer things salty)
2. Cheddar Cheese (you can use any kind)
3. Ground meat (~2lbs. I used lean beef, but you can use pork, turkey, chicken...anything)
4. Jalapenos (I used the canned ones. They are much milder than the fresh ones)
5. Tomatoes (diced)
6. Onions (diced)
7. Oil

Mehod:

First, I used about 2lbs meat and this seasoning and cooked as directed. The following is a step by step process how how it was made.

Take half of the ground meat and cook it in a little oil.

 When the first half starts browning, add the other half. Stir until the meat looks brown.

 Then add the seasoning as directed

 When all the water reduces, this is what it looks like finally:

Next, turn on the oven to 450F

Time to prepare the nachos! Place the tortilla chips evenly in the dish

 Add the beef that was cooked before

 Throw in the onion, tomato and jalapeno

And some yummy grated cheese next

 Then transfer the dish into the oven until the cheese melts.

It can be paired with salsa and sour cream. It is so yummy that it disappears in a couple of minutes, so be careful to at least grab a bite!