Nachos

File:Nachos.jpg

Nachos

Nachos are a popular Mexican dish, often served as a snack or appetizer, that consist of heated tortilla chips or totopos covered with melted cheese, often served as a snack or appetizer. They can also be topped with additional ingredients, such as meat, salsa, guacamole, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, and onions.

History

Nachos originated in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just over the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. In 1943, the wives of U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Duncan in nearby Eagle Pass were in Piedras Negras on a shopping trip, and they arrived at the restaurant after it had already closed for the day. The maître d'hôtel, Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, invented a new snack for them with what little he had available in the kitchen: tortillas and cheese. Anaya cut the tortillas into triangles, fried them, added shredded cheddar cheese, quickly heated them, added sliced pickled jalapeño peppers, and served them.

Preparation

Nachos can be made quickly and easily by sprinkling grated cheese over tortilla chips and then heating them. More elaborate versions of the dish include other ingredients, and may be substantial enough to serve as a main dish. Ignacio Anaya’s original nachos consisted of fried tortilla triangles covered with melted cheese and pickled jalapeño peppers.

Variations

There are many variations and additions to the basic nacho recipe, which can often depend on the type of nacho cheese or cheese blend used in the dish. Most variations include jalapeños, refried beans, ground beef or chicken, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Health Aspects

While nachos are typically viewed as a snack food, they can also be eaten as a meal. However, because they are often high in calories and fat, they are not considered a healthy food choice. The nutritional content of nachos can vary depending on the ingredients used.

See Also

• Mexican cuisine
• Tortilla chip
• Cheese
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Jalapeno

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