National Tortilla Chip Day
It’s National Tortilla Chip Day on Saturday 24th February, so we decided it’s time to pay homage to a crispy favourite that has become a popular choice not only in Mexican households but also on tables around the world.
We'll journey through the history of tortilla chips, explore their versatility in serving, delve into the health side of things, and get a taste of some authentic Mexican flavours that work perfectly when combined.
So grab a bag of tortilla chips, get ready to dip, and join us as we celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day in style at The Street Food Chef!
Section 1: A History Lesson
The history of tortilla chips traces back to humble beginnings, where resourcefulness led to the creation of this beloved snack.
Originally, tortilla chips were born as cooks sought ways to utilise leftover tortillas.
Rather than letting them go to waste, chefs began cutting the tortillas into small triangles and frying them to a crisp.
Over time, tortilla chips gained popularity beyond Mexican borders, becoming a staple in households and restaurants worldwide. So a very simple invention using leftover tortillas has since become a large part of Mexican cuisine and culture, cherished for its delicious flavour, satisfying crunch and snack-ability.
Section 2: The Versatility
One of the main qualities of tortilla chips lies in their versatility.
They can be used for dipping with salsa, guacamole, or mole, or you can make it more of a side dish with loaded nachos or protein-packed bowls with crushed tortilla chips.
At The Street Food Chef, they are often enjoyed crushed in a burrito, taco or quesadilla to add a little extra texture to each bite.
Section 3: The Health Aspect
Although we can’t argue that tortilla chips are healthy, we can argue that they are actually a healthier alternative to a number of crisps on the market.
If you go for a lightly salted tortilla chip, the chances are there isn’t actually that much in them that can do you any harm.
All that’s in them is the initial tortilla and any added flavours, whether that is salt, lime or garlic powder and as long as they’re made like our tortilla chips in our shops, there are very few additives.
Section 4: What To Eat Them With?
A simple and traditional combination is tortilla chips with salsa. Whether it's a fiery salsa roja made with tomatoes and chilli peppers or a tangy salsa verde featuring tomatillos and cilantro, the vibrant flavours of the salsa perfectly complement the crispy texture of the tortilla chips.
Another favourite pairing is with guacamole, a creamy and indulgent dip made from ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, and cilantro.
For those craving something more filling, loaded tortilla chips (nachos) are a popular choice. Layered with melted cheese, beans, jalapeños, sour cream, and your choice of main filling such as beef or chicken mole, loaded nachos are a simple and tasty dish.
All the food available from The Street Food Chef can easily be paired with tortilla chips, whether crushed in a burrito or to enjoy on the side.
We’d love to see you at The Street Food Chef on National Tortilla Chip Day (Saturday 24th February) and enjoy some tasty Mexican street food paired with tortilla chips.
