Homemade dry noodle recipe with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
Homemade dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese represent one of those recipes that unite tradition and simplicity in Mexican cuisine. This dish, characterized by its intense flavor and crispy texture, has become a favorite for those who enjoy preparing homemade food with authentic flavors. In this recipe, the pasta is cooked with a dried chili that provides a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, accompanied by the freshness of fresh cheese and the creaminess of the cream, achieving a perfect balance between simple ingredients and traditional techniques.
- Homemade dry noodle recipe with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- Preparation time
- Key ingredients to prepare dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- Utensils we will use to prepare homemade dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- How to prepare homemade dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese: step by step
- Nutritional information for dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- 5 keys to make dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese perfect
- When is it ideal to enjoy dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese?
- Is it similar to other dishes? Dry noodles versus similar Mexican recipes
- Share your experience with this recipe for dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- Culinary glossary
Preparation time
Preparing these dry noodles is a practical option that combines speed and flavor, ideal for any meal of the day. The technique has been perfected over time so that even those who are just starting in the kitchen can achieve a delicious result in a short time. The recipe is designed so that from start to finish it is completed in approximately 30 to 40 minutes, making it a perfect option for impromptu lunches or dinners.
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Key ingredients to prepare dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
This dish is based on basic ingredients but with a special touch that reflects the essence of Mexican cuisine. It is important to follow the quantities and techniques so that the flavor is balanced and authentic. For 4 servings, the main ingredients include fideo-type pasta, guajillo chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, fresh cheese, and optional cream.
Main ingredients
- 200 g fideo-type pasta: The base of the dish, which can be egg or wheat, preferably of good quality for a better result.
- 3 pieces of guajillo chilies: They must be deveined and the seeds removed to prevent the flavor from being too strong or bitter, achieving a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- 2 saladette tomatoes: Roasted to enhance their flavor and provide the base for the sauce.
- 1/4 white onion: Roasted to add sweetness and aroma, which will contrast with the intensity of the chili.
- 1 clove of garlic: Also roasted, to give depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: To brown the fideo and prepare the sauce.
- 2 cups of chicken broth: Increases the flavor and helps the pasta cook to its perfect point.
- 1/2 cup crumbled fresh cheese: Essential to give that authentic and fresh touch at the end of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons of cream (optional): For a creamy and smooth contrast.
The selection of fresh and good quality ingredients makes a difference in the final result, guaranteeing a rich and authentic flavor in every bite. For those looking for a spicier or milder touch, the amount of guajillo chili or make substitutions with different types of chilies according to taste and availability.
Utensils we will use to prepare homemade dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- Medium pot: To cook the pasta and the sauce.
- Blender or molcajete: To prepare the sauce with the chilies and tomato.
- Sieve or fine strainer: To strain the sauce and remove skin or seed remnants.
- Frying pan or casserole dish: Where the noodles are browned and mixed with the sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To move the ingredients without damaging them.
If you don't have a traditional molcajete, a good blender can greatly facilitate the process, and to strain the sauce, a fine-mesh strainer serves the same function as a sieve. The key is to maintain organization so that everything flows smoothly and the flavor is homogeneous.
How to prepare homemade dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese: step by step
- Prepare the sauce: Soak the guajillo chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic to enhance their flavor. Then, in a blender, combine the deseeded chilies, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the soaking water. Blend until you get a homogeneous sauce and strain it to remove skins and seeds.
- Brown the noodles: Heat the oil in a pot and add the noodles. Fry them until they turn golden and crispy, making sure to stir constantly to prevent them from burning, especially at the edges. This step gives the characteristic toasted color and flavor.
- Cook with sauce and broth: Add the strained sauce to the browned noodles and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Then, incorporate the hot broth and salt. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates almost completely, leaving the noodles perfectly cooked.
- Finish and serve: When the noodles are soft and the broth has reduced, turn off the heat. Serve in individual dishes, garnishing with crumbled fresh cheese and a few drops of cream. For a fresher touch, accompany with avocado slices and a little chopped cilantro, thus achieving a very complete and authentic dish.
To finish and serve
It is advisable to let the noodles rest for a few minutes before serving, so that the flavors integrate. The base of the recipe can be complemented with other traditional ingredients, such as pieces of chicken in guajillo adobo or cooked nopales. The technique of browning the noodles is key to obtaining that crispy texture that characterizes this dish, in addition to enhancing the toasted flavor of the guajillo chili.
Nutritional information for dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal per serving.
- Proteins: 12 g.
- Fats: 14 g, mostly healthy from oil and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: 45 g, mainly from pasta and base ingredients.
- Fiber: 4 g, thanks to the chilies and vegetables used in the sauce.
*Values are approximate estimates per serving, varying according to specific ingredients and their preparation.*
5 keys to make dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese perfect
- Select good pasta and chilies: The quality of the pasta and chilies makes a difference in flavor and texture. Look for durum wheat noodles and fresh, dried guajillo chilies.
- Do not overcook the noodles: Browning them just right, until they have a uniform and slightly toasted color, guarantees that crispy texture that characterizes this dish.
- Control the amount of sauce: The sauce should partially cover the noodles so that they are coated without becoming soggy, achieving a balance between dryness and flavor.
- Use a flavorful broth: Homemade chicken broth or broth made with natural ingredients will significantly elevate the final taste, enriching every bite.
- Garnish with cheese and cream: Adding crumbled fresh cheese and cream at the right moment provides creaminess and freshness that complement the intensity of the guajillo chili.
When is it ideal to enjoy dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese?
This dish is an excellent option for a comforting meal at any time of the year, especially during cold days or family gatherings. Its simple and quick preparation makes it ideal for a fast yet flavorful meal. Furthermore, its ingredient profile and traditional taste make it a perfect choice to celebrate Mexican food and its culinary heritage.
Is it similar to other dishes? Dry noodles versus similar Mexican recipes
| Recipe | Key ingredients | How is it different? |
|---|---|---|
| Home-style dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese | Pasta, guajillo chili, fresh cheese, tomato, onion, garlic | Ideal for a crispy texture and smoky flavor from the dried chilies, in contrast to other dishes that have more ingredients in a liquid sauce. |
| Noodle zucchini pesto homemade | Pasta, zucchini, pesto, grated cheese | Softer and with an herbal and vegetable flavor profile, while chili noodles are more intense and spicy. |
| Salad of oriental cabbage | Cabbage, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger | Fresh and crispy approach for other times of the day, different in technique and flavor. |
| Korean Chap-chae | Starch noodles, meat, vegetables | A moist and seasoned dish with different ingredients, with a very distinct Asian touch. |
| Traditional pasta soup | Pasta, broth, vegetables, meat or chicken | More liquid, less toasted and without the smoky touch of guajillo chili. |
| Mexican-style dry noodles with chipotle chili and aged cheese | Pasta, chipotle chili, aged cheese | More smoky and powerful flavor, with a stronger kick compared to guajillo chili. |
Share your experience with this recipe for dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese
Enjoying preparing and savoring these dry noodles offers the opportunity to learn more about the richness of traditional Mexican cuisine. Each time you make them, you can experiment with different levels of spiciness, accompaniments, and presentation, making this recipe a part of your family repertoire and your most special celebrations.
Culinary glossary
- Noodles
- Thin and long pasta, similar to spaghetti, used in many dishes in Mexico for its ability to absorb flavors and toast well.
- Guajillo chile
- A very popular dried chili in Mexico, with a smoky flavor, mild but with a spicy touch, ideal for sauces and marinades.
- Fresh cheese
- Soft, tender, and crumbly cheese, which adds freshness and contrast to many Mexican dishes.
- Mexican cuisine
- Set of traditional techniques, ingredients, and dishes originating from Mexico, characterized by their intense flavor and variety of ingredients.
- Traditional flavor
- The aromatic and gustatory profile that represents the authentic cuisine of a region, in this case, highlighted by the use of dried chilies and fresh cheese in the recipe.
How long does it take to prepare these dry noodles with guajillo chili and fresh cheese?
The complete process usually lasts about 35 minutes, including soaking, sauce preparation, browning the noodles, and final cooking.
Can I modify the spice level of the dish?
Yes, by adjusting the amount of guajillo chilies or using different types of chilies, you can achieve a milder or more intense flavor according to your preference.
What other ingredients can I add to vary the recipe?
You can include shredded chicken, nopales, or even add vegetables like zucchini or carrots to get different textures and flavors.
Is it advisable to prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made a few hours in advance and stored in refrigeration, which will allow the flavors to integrate better and facilitate the cooking process.
