Perfect for sharing, nachos are a universally loved food that can be made in multiple ways and with many variations of toppings. As it is National Nachos Day today, you can create a nacho bar at home with the ingredients you have at home and with minimal effort. It makes for an interactive and endlessly customisable meal that is perfect for parties and get-togethers.
History of Nachos
In 1943, a group of American army wives from Texas crossed over to the small Mexican town called Piedras Negras looking for something to eat after work. The group met Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Anaya, who served them warm tortilla chips, pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheese as the chef had already left for the day. The dish gained popularity and was named “Nachos Especiales”
after its creator.
Since then, nachos have transformed from an accidental creation into a worldwide comfort food. It has several variations, served at gourmet eateries to local joints. It can be eaten with a host of toppings, including but not limited to toppings like pulled meats, guacamole, and exotic cheeses and vegetables.
How to create a Nacho Bar at home
If you want to celebrate National Nacho Day today, here’s how you can DIY a nacho bar for friends and family in no time at all:
- Plan the layout – Set a table and design a linear layout with the chips at one end, hot toppings in the middle, and cold toppings and garnishes towards the end. This will keep the traffic flowing.
- For the chips, instead of laying out an entire packet and being in danger of it losing its crunch, have individual nacho chip packets that people can use instead of plates.
- There are many toppings that can be added to the bar and on top of your nachos. However, select fan favourites depending on the amount of time you have on hand to prepare them.
- Some other warm toppings include spiced black beans or refried beans. You can also sauté bell peppers and onions, which is a classic fajita mix, along with roasted corn.
- Some of the cold toppings include preparing the salasa or Pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Dice up some red onion, jalapeños, coriander, lettuce and tomatoes.
