Chilaquiles: Google Doodle honors the traditional Mexican breakfast dish

This Doodle honors Chilaquiles, the popular Mexican meal that has found a place in kitchens and hearts all over the world. The Doodle was made by guest artist Chava Oropesa of Oakland.

The Nahuatl language of the Aztecs is where the name “chilaquiles” originated, and it means “chilis and greens.” Because corn is so widely available in North America, people have been looking for new uses for old tortillas. After cutting tortillas into strips and sautéing them in salsa, they discovered magic. These fried tortilla strips, topped with avocados, onions, cream, and queso fresco, are an evolution of the breakfast dish. A well-known Spanish cookbook that featured chilaquiles in 1898 contributed to their popularity’s expansion outside of Mexico.

These delicious tortilla-based snacks are now appearing on breakfast and brunch menus throughout Mexico and the Southwest United States. How chilaquiles are made varies depending on the region of Mexico. But Mexicans take great pride in these recipes, whether they’re slathered in salsa or made with roasted totopos.