Chili con queso
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chili con queso (also spelled chile con queso) is an appetizer that is served in Tex-Mex restaurants.
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[edit] Background
Chili con queso, (also spelled chile con queso) which is a part of Tex Mex and Southwestern cuisine, originated in Texas. Chili con queso is rarely found in Mexican restaurants outside of Texas or Oklahoma. Authentic Texas style chili con queso has been found as far east as Atlanta, Georgia and as far west as Phoenix, Arizona. La Posta, a Mexican restaurant in La Mesilla, New Mexico, near Las Cruces, serves a New Mexican version of the dish. If it is found in another state, the restaurant is usually a part of a Texas restaurant chain such as Ninfa's or On the Border. Authentic chili con queso is rarely found in Mexican restaurants in California. Chili con queso's literal meaning is chili peppers with cheese.
[edit] Disambiguation
Chile con queso should not be confused with nachos, nacho cheese, or queso flameado. The flavor and the quality of the cheese in nachos could be considered by many to be of lower quality than the ingredients used in chile con queso. While nachos are sold in concession stands at movie theatres and sporting events across the United States, chile con queso is usually only found in specialized Tex-Mex restaurants.
Mexican restaurants in California may serve queso flameado as an appetizer. This is an authentic Mexican dish and it differs in consistency. The cheeses in chile con queso are generally yellow rather than white and utilize American cheeses that blend into a smooth, creamy dip.
[edit] Chili con queso, the appetizer
[edit] Ingredients
Chili con queso, similar to fondue and yellow in color, is a dip that consists of a blend of yellow cheeses, diced tomatoes, and peppers melted into a smooth, creamy dip. Ground beef is sometimes added for extra flavor.
[edit] Serving
One can eat chili con queso with tortilla chips, or special queso chips which are thicker than regular tortilla chips. You can also use it as a condiment on fajita tacos, enchiladas, or any other Tex-Mex dish.
Chili con queso is a warm dish, heated to a desired temperature.
Tex-Mex restaurants usually offer tortilla chips and dips as appetizers free of charge. These include red salsa and creamy green salsa. Chili con queso, however, is usually offered for an additional charge. It can be made with various cheeses. Usually it is yellow in color. American, Cheddar, Velveeta, and Monterrey Jack cheeses can be used.
Chili con queso is also known as Salsa con queso or "cheese dip," and just simply called "queso" by Texans.
[edit] Variations
A version chili con queso can easily be made at home with a block of Velveeta (processed yellow cheese) and a can of Ro*tel tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes and peppers). Both of these ingredients are available at grocery stores. Cube the block of Velveeta and mix with one can of Ro*tel tomatoes in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 1 to 2 minute intervals, stirring often until the cheese is evenly melted and warmed. Stir in cooked ground beef if desired.
[edit] New Mexican Style
New Mexican chile con queso often includes either green or red chiles, and is made without tomatoes. The most famous New Mexican chile con queso recipe comes from the El Pinto Restaurant
[edit] Queso Blanco (White Cheese Dip)
Another version of dip that is found in the Southeastern states is made using white American or Asadero cheese, cream, green chilies, and seasoning. Many people that have tasted "white cheese dip" prefer it to the traditional "yellow dip."
