Peneques
4 servings
Learn how to make authentic Mexican peneques in caldillo de jitomate at home! Soft corn tortillas filled with queso fresco, lightly fried, and soaked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting snack or traditional meal.
Ingredients
- 8 medium corn tortillas
- 12 oz queso fresco (or farmer cheese)
- 3 medium eggs
- all-purpose flour (as needed)
- oil for frying
For caldillo sauce
- 1 lb tomatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried epazote (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes and onion into chunks and place them in a pot with enough water to cover. Boil until tender.
- Blend the cooked tomatoes and onion with garlic, peppercorns, sesame seeds, and 3 cups of water for 3–4 minutes.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium pot, then strain in the tomato sauce.
- Season with salt, chicken bouillon and epazote, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, separate the eggs. Place the whites in a large bowl with a pinch of salt and beat until stiff peaks form. Add the yolks and gently fold to combine.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Take a tortilla, place a slice of cheese inside, and fold it in half.
- Dredge the filled tortilla in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture.
- Gently slide the battered tortilla into the hot oil and spoon a little oil over the top so it cooks evenly.
- Flip to fry the other side. Once golden, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with all tortillas.
- Carefully place the peneques into the pot of sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve with plenty of caldillo, a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of crema.
Notes
- Warm the tortillas slightly before folding to prevent cracking.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, too much cheese or beans can make them hard to handle.
- Make sure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks; this is key to a light, airy coating.
- Fry in batches with enough oil to keep the tortillas from sticking together.
- Simmering the fried tortillas in the sauce for a few minutes lets them absorb flavor while staying intact.
- You can try different fillings like refried beans, ground meat, or even fava beans for variation.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 2195mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1640IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 407mg | Iron: 1mg