Queso Gravy Food

CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK WITH QUESO GRAVY

Steps:

• Place the pieces of steak under plastic wrap or parchment paper, and use a meat hammer or the back of a small pan to pound each to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness, roughly doubling its surface size. Heat oven to 200. Pour 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of oil into a cast-iron or other large, heavy skillet, and place over medium-high heat.
• Combine salt, pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, then use the mixture to season the meat aggressively, massaging the spices into the meat.
• Put the flour into a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Beat eggs and milk together in a bowl. Shake each piece of steak in the bag of flour or press into the dish of flour, making sure both sides are well coated. Shake off excess flour, dip steak into milk mixture, and then again into the flour. Shake off excess, and place steak on a large plate or sheet pan. Repeat with remaining steaks.
• When the oil has reached 300 degrees, or a flick of flour sizzles in it furiously, work in batches to cook the steaks in the pan, so that they have room around them, probably just two steaks per batch. They will pop and hiss. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until juices start to bubble out of the top of the coating, then use tongs to turn the pieces over gently, and cook the other side 3 to 4 minutes longer, until they are crisp and golden brown. Transfer cooked steaks to a sheet pan, and keep warm in the oven.
• Remove steaks from oven and serve, topping each steak with queso gravy and, if you like, some pico de gallo or favorite salsa.

QUESO GRAVY

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a saute pan or heavy bottomed pot set over medium-low heat. When it shimmers, add onions and jalapeños, and cook, stirring often, until they have softened, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and milk. When the onions and jalapeños are soft, pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy begins to thicken. Add the cheese, cumin and salt. Stir to combine, and allow the cheese to melt, then taste and adjust seasonings.

QUESO

Steps:

• Add the processed cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar and canned tomatoes (along with the juice) to a medium saucepan or 10-inch cast-iron skillet (see Cook's Note) and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula, until all the cheese has melted and the queso is smooth, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
• To make the queso spicy, use hot diced tomatoes and green chiles, such as RoTel Hot, instead of the Original.
• Processed block cheese is crucial due to its meltability and what it adds to the queso's texture. Do not try to substitute other cheeses.

COPYCAT CHIPOTLE QUESO

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium, heat oil. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until onion has softened about 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, tomato paste, and vinegar, until well combined; allow to steep for 20 minutes.
• In a large heatproof bowl, combine grated cheeses, tomatillo salsa, lime juice and oregano. Place a fine mesh strainer over the bowl containing the cheese. Strain milk mixture into the bowl. Discard solids from strainer.
• Using a wooden spoon stir cheese mixture until smooth and saucy. If cheese doesn't melt completely, set bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until cheese melts and mixture comes together. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.

QUESO GRAVY

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a saute pan or heavy bottomed pot set over medium-low heat. When it shimmers, add onions and jalapeños, and cook, stirring often, until they have softened, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and milk. When the onions and jalapeños are soft, pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy begins to thicken. Add the cheese, cumin and salt. Stir to combine, and allow the cheese to melt, then taste and adjust seasonings.