Cielito lindo is a traditional Mexican dish made with layers of refried beans, cream cheese, guacamole, and salsa. It is a delicious and easy to make snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. This recipe is perfect for parties or as an appetizer to any meal.
What is Cielito Lindo?
Cielito lindo, which translates to “beautiful little sky,” is a popular folk song in Mexico that was written in the late 19th century.
The dish, named after the song, is believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco and has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. It is often served at festivals and celebrations, making it a beloved and nostalgic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cielito Lindo?
- Easy and quick to make
- Bursting with flavor and textures
- Can be customized to fit your taste preferences
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The Ingredients
Refried: This is the base of the dish and provides a creamy and savory layer.
Cream cheese: Adds a tangy and rich flavor to balance out the other ingredients.
Lettuce: Gives a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Guacamole: Brings a smooth and creamy texture with a hint of spice.
Tomato: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Provides a salty and cheesy layer to the dish.
Mexican sauce: Adds a burst of flavor and spice to the dish.
Cilantro: Finishes off the dish with a fresh and fragrant touch.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Layer the refried beans:
Spread a layer of refried beans evenly on a large plate or mold. This will serve as the base of the dish.
Step 3: Add cream cheese:
Next, add a layer of cream cheese on top of the refried beans. This will provide a creamy and tangy flavor to balance out the other ingredients.
Step 4: Sprinkle lettuce:
Add a layer of finely chopped lettuce on top of the cream cheese layer. This will add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Spread guacamole:
Spread a layer of guacamole over the lettuce. This will bring a smooth and creamy texture with a hint of spice.
Step 6: Top with tomatoes:
Add a layer of chopped ripe tomatoes on top of the guacamole for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 7: Sprinkle cheddar cheese:
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the tomatoes. This will add a salty and cheesy layer to the dish.
Step 8: Pour Mexican sauce:
Pour a generous amount of Mexican sauce over the cheese layer, making sure to cover it completely. This will add a burst of flavor and spice to the dish.
Step 9: Add cilantro:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top to finish off the dish with a fresh and fragrant touch.
Step 10: Bake:
Place the plate or mold in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a delicious dish.
Step 11: Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with tortilla chips or as is.
Enjoy!
Tips
– For a vegan version of the dish, you can use vegan cheese and omit the sour cream.
– You can add any type of toppings you like, such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
– To make the dish spicier, you can add more chile sauce or jalapenos.
– For a healthier version, you can opt for baked tortillas instead of fried.
– To make the dish even more flavorful, add a bit of lime juice or cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Cielito lindo is a fairly healthy dish, as it is made with mostly fresh ingredients. One serving of the dish contains approximately:
How to Store Cielito Lindo?
Cielito lindo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To store, place the dish in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop.
Variations
Veggie Cielito Lindo: For a vegetarian version of the dish, you can omit the cheese and add extra vegetables, such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Chorizo Cielito Lindo: For a meatier version, you can add some cooked chorizo to the dish.
Enchilada Cielito Lindo: To give the dish an enchilada-like flavor, you can add some enchilada sauce to the dish.
Cheesy Cielito Lindo: To make the dish even cheesier, you can add extra cheese and top it with melted cheese.
Spicy Cielito Lindo: To give the dish a spicier kick, you can add extra chile sauce or jalapenos.
Equipment
- large plate or mold
- oven
Ingredients
- 16 oz. refried
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 2.7 cup finely chopped lettuce
- 2.7 cup guacamole
- 1.8 chopped ripe tomato
- 14.4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
- 1.8 pot 16 oz. mexican sauce
- 0.45 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large plate or mold, spread the refried beans evenly as the first layer.
- Next, spread a layer of cream cheese on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle chopped lettuce on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Spread guacamole over the lettuce layer.
- Add chopped tomato on top of the guacamole.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the tomatoes.
- Pour the Mexican sauce over the cheese layer, making sure to cover it completely.
- Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top of the dish.
- Place the plate or mold in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cielito lindo ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cielito lindo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is cielito lindo healthy?
Yes, cielito lindo is a fairly healthy dish, as it is made with mostly fresh ingredients.
Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add extra vegetables, such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Can I make a vegan version of the dish?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of the dish by omitting the cheese and using vegan cheese.
Can I make the dish spicier?
Yes, you can make the dish spicier by adding extra chile sauce or jalapenos.
Can I use baked tortillas instead of fried?
Yes, you can opt for baked tortillas instead of fried for a healthier version of the dish.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, you can add any type of toppings you like, such as tomatoes, onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapenos, olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Conclusion
Cielito lindo is a delicious and easy to make Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of refried beans, cream cheese, guacamole, salsa, and cheese, it is bursting with flavor and textures.
Give this recipe a try and see why it has become a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine. So next time you’re craving a tasty snack, remember to whip up some cielito lindo! Happy cooking!