Week 20 of 52 Recipes...

I actually did this two or three weeks ago and just didn't get around to posting it with the last batch of recipe posts. I made it when we were snowed in and it was really good and one that we will definitely make again when we entertain. This also came out of my Look+Cook book by Rachael Ray but I cut and pasted this from her website. I believe the only difference is that my book calls for "Mexican Beer" and this just states "1 bottle of lager beer".  Andy was responsible for picking out a Mexican Beer since he'd be drinking what I didn't use for the dish! I opted for steak and the homemade tortillas were great. Seeing the pictures from my book, while I type this post, makes me want to eat this again...and soon. :)


Fajita Chilaquiles Casserole

INGRIEDENTS

• 8 flour tortillas, cut into thin strips
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon onion powder (a palmful)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (a palmful)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin (a palmful)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (a palmful)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boneless pork chops or sirloin steak
• 4 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 bottle lager beer
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• Sour cream, to garnish
• Salsa, to garnish

PREPARATION

Pre-heat oven to 400ºF.

On a baking sheet, toss tortilla strips with some cooking spray and bake in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Toss halfway through the cooking time so they get brown on all sides.

In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss your meat of choice with the spice mixture and reserve.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of oil, about 2 tablespoons. Add the meat to the pan and sear until golden brown and cooked through, 5-6 minutes. Add the bottle of beer to the pan and cook to reduce, 3-4 minutes.

While the meat is cooking, place a second large skillet over high heat with 2 turns of the pan of oil, about 2 tablespoons. Add the peppers, onions and garlic to the pan, and cook until brown around the edges and tender, 3-4 minutes. Add the zest and juice of 1 lime, chopped herbs, salt and pepper to the pan, toss to combine and reserve.

When everything is ready, toss the meat, pepper and onions, and toasted tortilla strips together into a casserole dish. Top with the cheese and melt under the broiler. Garnish with juice of remaining lime, sour cream and salsa.