TORTILLA CHIP

Definition of TORTILLA CHIP

TORTILLA CHIP Noun

Tortilla chip is a noun referring to a type of snack food made from corn tortillas that have been cut into wedges and then fried or baked until crispy.

As a noun, tortilla chip denotes a popular snack often enjoyed with dips such as salsa, guacamole, or cheese. For example, “I bought a bag of tortilla chips for the party,” indicates the purchase of this snack for an event.

Ingredients and Preparation: Tortilla chips are typically made from corn tortillas, which consist of corn, vegetable oil, salt, and water. These tortillas are cut into triangles and then fried or baked. For example, “The best tortilla chips are made from fresh corn tortillas and lightly salted,” describes the basic preparation method and ingredients.

Culinary Uses: Tortilla chips are versatile in culinary applications. They are commonly served as appetizers or snacks and are a key ingredient in dishes like nachos, where they are topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, beans, and other toppings. For example, “We made nachos using tortilla chips, cheese, and salsa,” highlights one way to use them in a recipe.

Cultural Significance: Originating in Mexican cuisine, tortilla chips have become a staple in American and international snacking culture. They are often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine and are a favorite at parties, gatherings, and sporting events. For example, “Tortilla chips and salsa are a traditional snack during Cinco de Mayo celebrations,” reflects their cultural importance.

Health Considerations: While tortilla chips are enjoyed for their taste and convenience, they can vary in nutritional value. Baked varieties are often considered a healthier option compared to fried ones. For example, “Baked tortilla chips are a lower-fat alternative to fried ones,” points out a health-conscious choice.

In conclusion, tortilla chip is a noun referring to a snack made from corn tortillas that are cut into wedges and fried or baked. They are a popular and versatile food item used in various dishes and enjoyed on their own. Originating from Mexican cuisine, tortilla chips have become widely appreciated in different cultures, particularly in contexts involving casual and celebratory dining.

Examples of TORTILLA CHIP in a sentence

  • The party snacks included a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips with salsa.
  • She dipped a tortilla chip into the guacamole before taking a bite.
  • Tortilla chips are often served as appetizers or snacks with various dips.
  • The restaurant offered a platter of nachos topped with melted cheese and jalapeños on crispy tortilla chips.
  • He enjoyed the crunchiness of the homemade tortilla chips.
  • Tortilla chips can be flavored with spices or served plain.
  • She broke a tortilla chip in half to scoop up the chunky salsa.
  • They served a variety of dips alongside a basket of warm tortilla chips.

Origin of TORTILLA CHIP

The term tortilla chip has an intriguing etymology that reflects its cultural and linguistic evolution over time.

  • Spanish Origins: The word tortilla comes from the Spanish word torta, which means “cake” or “round bread.” The diminutive form tortilla translates to “small cake” or “small round bread,” highlighting the traditional round shape of tortillas.
  • Mesoamerican Roots: Tortillas have ancient origins in Mesoamerican cuisine, where they were originally made from maize (corn). The word tortilla itself was adopted into Spanish from the indigenous Nahuatl word tlaxcalli.
  • Introduction to English: The term tortilla chip emerged in English as a way to describe the fried or baked pieces of tortilla. Tortilla chips are a relatively modern invention, popularized in the United States in the 20th century, particularly as a snack food and a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine.
  • Culinary Evolution: Tortilla chips were first mass-produced in the late 1940s. They quickly became popular as a convenient snack food, often served with salsa, guacamole, or other dips. The term reflects both the traditional Mesoamerican roots of the tortilla and its adaptation into a crispy snack.

The term tortilla chip encapsulates a culinary journey from ancient Mesoamerican cuisine to a modern snack enjoyed worldwide, illustrating how language and food culture evolve together.

Synonyms

  • Nacho chip
  • Corn chip
  • Tortilla crisp
  • Snack chip
  • Tortilla triangle
  • Crispy tortilla
  • Corn tortilla chip
  • Mexican chip

Antonyms

  • Soft tortilla
  • Flour tortilla
  • Taco shell
  • Wrap
  • Burrito
  • Enchilada
  • Quesadilla
  • Mexican bread

Related

  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Dip
  • Appetizer
  • Mexican cuisine
  • Cornmeal
  • Snack
  • Crunch

🌐 🇬🇧 TORTILLA CHIP in other languages

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