There are snacks that don’t need a special occasion to become the favorites of a gathering, a movie afternoon, or a casual get-together with friends. Nachos are one of those snacks that combine simple ingredients with an easy-to-share preparation: crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and the spicy kick of the jalapeños, a blend that has conquered palates inside and outside of Mexico.
It’s no coincidence that nachos have become one of the most popular snacks to enjoy during a movie, where they are usually served with melted cheese and other toppings. Although today there are versions with meat, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and different salsas, the origin of this dish goes back to a much simpler preparation. Its story began in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, when a restaurant worker improvised a snack with few ingredients that, over time, would win over palates and become a classic of popular cuisine.
Next, we tell you what the origin of nachos is, why October 21 is celebrated as International Nacho Day, and how to prepare this popular snack at home. Keep reading to learn its history and discover a simple recipe to enjoy them whenever you want.
Why is International Nacho Day celebrated on October 21?
International Nacho Day is celebrated every October 21 in honor of this popular snack, whose origin lies in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The date was promoted in 1995 by a group of businessmen from that border city, with the aim of recognizing the creation of the Mexican Ignacio Anaya GarcÃa and promoting one of the region’s best-known preparations.
What is the origin of nachos?
Although there are several versions about the origin of nachos, one of the best known places its creation in 1943, when the Mexican Ignacio Anaya GarcÃa, nicknamed Nacho, worked at the Club Victoria restaurant in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. According to this account, a group of American women arrived at the establishment to eat, but since there was no chef available, Anaya decided to improvise a snack with the ingredients at hand: tortilla triangles, cheese, and jalapeño peppers.
After heating the preparation, he served it under the name Nachos Especiales. Over time, this simple combination gained popularity and began to appear on the menus of other restaurants, until it became one of the most well-known snacks inside and outside of Mexico.
How to prepare authentic Mexican nachos
Recipe: How to prepare authentic Mexican nachos at home
Ingredients:
-
200 g corn tortilla chips
-
200 g cheddar cheese or Manchego cheese that melts easily
-
1/2 cup sliced jalapeño peppers
-
1/4 cup refried beans (optional)
-
1 tomato, diced into small cubes (optional)
-
1/4 onion, chopped (optional)
-
Guacamole to taste (optional)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the tortilla chips. Spread the corn tortilla chips on a baking sheet, making sure they are laid out so the cheese can evenly cover them.
2. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the chips and, if you like, add small portions of refried beans to give more flavor and body to the snack.
3. Heat the nachos. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted. You can also heat them in short intervals in the microwave, using a suitable dish.
4. Incorporate the jalapeños. Remove the tortilla chips from the oven and distribute the jalapeño slices on top. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount or use peppers to taste.
5. Serve and enjoy. Add the tomato, onion, and guacamole if you want to complement the preparation. Serve the nachos immediately to enjoy them hot, with melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips.
