Queso Fundido

This chile pepper gets its name from its origin. In Spanish, serrano is an adjective meaning “from the mountains” which is where it originated-in the mountains of Hildalgo, Mexico. The serrano is normally about twice as hot as Jalapeno (about 10,000 to 15,000 Scoville units). It is the second most popular chile pepper in Mexico. This chile is used mostly for salsas but can also be used in soups, sauces, chili or stews. Try these as a hotter substitute for Jalapeno.

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Ingredients:

1 small tomato, chopped
1 serrano chile, seeded, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
Kosher salt
8 ounces coarsely grated mild yellow cheddar
8 ounces coarsely grated Monterey Jack
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 4-ounce link fresh chorizo or hot Italian sausage, casing removed
1/2 cup minced onion
1/2 cup lager
Tortilla chips

Instructions:

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Mix tomato, chile, and oregano in a small bowl. Season with salt and let salsa stand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toss both cheeses with flour in a medium bowl. Cook chorizo in a medium saucepan over medium heat, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until it begins to render, about 1 minute. Add onion and continue cooking until chorizo is cooked and onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer chorizo mixture to a small bowl; return saucepan to heat. Add beer and simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits. Whisking constantly, add cheese mixture a 1/4-cupful at a time, allowing it to become blended and smooth between additions. Stir in chorizo mixture. DO AHEAD: Queso can be made 30 minutes ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

To reheat, warm skillet with queso fundido over medium heat and stir until melted and bubbly. Using a slotted spoon, spoon salsa over queso. Serve in skillet with a basket of tortilla chips on the side.

From Bon Appetit Test Kithen