Mexico has gifted the world with some serious culinary icons. Tacos, tamales, guac, etc. And now, Pastel Azteca is the next great thing that needs to be on your radar. Think of it as the lovechild of enchiladas and lasagna. This layered masterpiece swaps out pasta for corn tortillas and packs in shredded chicken, roasted poblanos, and all the cheesy, saucy goodness your heart (and stomach) could ever want. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how you can bring a piece of Mexico to your table this year.
Ingredients for Pastel Azteca
For the Sauce:
4 large tomatoes, roasted
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 chipotle pepper in adobo
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers:
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie comes in handy)
2 roasted poblano peppers, peeled and sliced
1 ½ cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
Olive oil for frying
Directions
To make the sauce: Blend the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle, and chicken broth until smooth. Heat a little oil in a pan, pour in the sauce, and season it with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
The next step is to prepare the layers. Start by frying each tortilla in a little oil so that they stay crispy on the outside but are soft enough to soak up all that sauce. In a baking dish, start with a thin layer of sauce, then add the tortillas, shredded chicken, roasted poblanos, cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a heavy-handed sprinkle of cheese.
The final step is to put it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes (if you can wait), then dig in. You can pair it with a fresh margarita and some guac on the side.
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FAQs
Q. Do I have to use lasagna strips in the Pastel Azteca?
A. No, you do not have to use lasagna strips in Pastel Azteca.
Q. Can I substitute the chicken for a vegetarian variant?
A. Yes, you can substitute the chicken for tofu or cottage cheese for a vegetarian variant.
Q. Which other cheese can I use apart from mozzarella?
A. You can use Oaxaca cheese instead of mozzarella.
