Baked Veggie Taquitos with Queso Dip
Skip the frying but not the delightful crunch with these baked taquitos. Filled with fragrant vegetables and served with the Tex-Mex favorite queso dip, these are perfect for an appetizer or turn it into a meal with some black beans and salad.
Recipe
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
*Your Chef will lead you through all the techniques, so prepping ahead of class is optional
Ingredients for the taquitos:
- 3 tablespoons 4th & Heart ghee, Original or Garlic, divided
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (from fresh, canned or frozen)
- 1 large (2 small) zucchini, small diced
- 1/2 red onion, small diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, small diced
- 1 small lime, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled (feta works well too)
- 16 corn tortillas
- kosher salt, to taste
Ingredients for the queso dip:
- 2 tablespoons 4th & Heart ghee, Original, Garlic or Turmeric
- 1/2 red onion, small diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (deseeded if desired)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced, divided
- 1 – 4 ounce can diced green chilies
- 1 – 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (shred the cheese yourself; do not use pre-shredded cheese)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Procedure:
- For the taquitos: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper or grease generously with ghee.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large skillet over high heat. Add the corn and sauté until it begins to brown, about 6 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-high and stir in the zucchini, onion, garlic and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes or so, until the vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the lime zest and juice, cilantro and Cotija cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave, wrapped in slightly damp paper towels, for 20 to 30 seconds. Place a generous tablespoon of filling each tortilla, spread out and roll up. Place the taquitos, seam side down, on the prepared tray.
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee and use a brush or your fingers to brush the taquitos all over. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until crispy and browned. These can be shaped and frozen for up to 2 months, well wrapped. Follow the same baking method as above but plan on an additional 3 to 5 minutes when cooking from frozen.
- For the queso dip: Place a medium saucepot over medium heat and melt the ghee. Add the onion and sweat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the cumin and coriander and toast, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute, until aromatic.
- Stir in the jalapeño and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes before adding in half of the diced tomatoes, green chilies and the evaporated milk. Bring to a boil.
- Toss the shredded cheese with the cornstarch until evenly coated then add to the boiling mixture. Lower the heat and stir until all of the cheese has melted about 3 minutes. Once the mixture is smooth remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve alongside the taquitos for dipping.