Imagine…nachos with amazing crunchiness and almost no carbs
Ah, the humble nacho. An elegant mixture of delicious crunch, melty goodness and, in the right hands, a hint of spice. A staple of cantinas, sports bars and living rooms alike, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more universally beloved snack.
There are many reasons why nachos are so popular. One reason is their ease to eat as a finger good. There’s no need for formal manners when you can grab a plate of chips and chow down. If you’re at a party or a bar, you don’t have to put your drink down while picking up a snack. Another reason people like nachos is how little effort they require to make. Chefs will have their signature twists, but unless you’re Guy Fieri, there are few recipes that taste as delicious with as little effort as a plate of nachos.
A History of the Nacho
Melting cheese on top of a pile of chips seems so deceptively simple and obvious, it’s a little strange to think someone “invented” them, but invent they did! Somewhere, closer to the side of truth than fiction, is the story of Ignacio Anaya. The story begins in 1943 at the Victory Club in Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. A group of enthusiastic women arrived and ordered drinks. Looking for something a little more solid to put in their bellies, the women asked to see a menu. Unfortunately, the kitchen had already closed. However, the maitre d’, Ignacio a.k.a. Nacho was not one to disappoint his guests. Nacho stepped into the kitchen and melted some cheddar cheese on top of tortilla chips. He garnished his new creation with slices of jalapeño and the rest, as they say, is history. The women were thrilled and peoples’ love for “Especiales de Nacho” have only grown since.
The Benefit of Substituting Cauliflower
Cauliflower is our favorite vegetable here at Dare to Be Different (psst, don’t tell broccoli!) You’ve probably heard us go on about how amazing cauliflower is before, but in case you haven’t, we’re always happy to talk up the benefits of cauliflower. 100% natural and rich in nutrients, 1 cup of cauliflower contains 77% of your recommended daily value of Vitamin C. Also, cauliflower is a heart-friendly vegetable loaded with antioxidants.
It’s no secret that as delicious as nachos are, they’re not the healthiest snack in the kitchen. Part of the reason they’re not so great is the bed of tortilla chips they’re served on contains more sodium and carbs than anyone should be consuming all day. Swapping out tortilla chips for cauliflower crusts is a great way to save on carbs without sacrificing the snack. Topping your nachos with black beans or other proteins also makes nachos from cauliflower crusts an awesome keto-friendly dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Dare To Be Different Grain Free Crusts
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Guacamole, store-bought or homemade
- Salsa, store-bought or homemade
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut grain free crusts into 6-8 triangles and place onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-18 minutes, until crispy and chip-like. If the edges begin to brown, lower the oven temperature to 375°F.
- Once chips are cooled, lay them on a serving plate and top with melted cheese.
- Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until cheese is melted.
- Once cheese is melted, top with black beans, guacamole, and salsa. Enjoy!
