Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts (www.walnuts.org)
Makes 8 servings
The California Walnut “Chorizo”
½ T. cumin seed
½ t. coriander seed
1 each cloves, whole
1 each bay leaves
1/8 t. cinnamon, ground
¼ t. oregano, dried
¼ t. thyme, dried
½ T. garlic, granulated
½ t. sea salt
¼ t. black pepper, freshly ground
½ T. ancho chile powder
½ T. paprika, smoked
1 ½ c. California walnuts, toasted, finely chopped
1 T. walnut oil
With a mortar and pestle grind cumin seed, coriander seed and cloves. Break up bay leaves with your hands and add them to spices in mortar and pestle, then grind until you have a fine powder. Add remaining spices to mortar and pestle and grind/mix until everything is well combined.
Toss spices and walnuts together and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat walnut oil and sauté walnuts, constantly stirring, until golden brown and evenly toasted, about 2 minutes. Reserve warm until needed.
The Queso Fundido
1 T. olive oil, extra virgin
1 each tomato, medium, ¼-in. dices
1 each jalapeño, seeded, minced
½ each onion, small, ¼-inch dices
¼ t. kosher salt
California walnut "chorizo" (see recipe above)
4 oz. Monterey jack cheese, shredded
4 oz. queso asadero, shredded
¼ c. cilantro, fresh, chopped
Tortilla chips or soft corn tortillas
Pre-set broiler to high.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes, jalapeños, onion and a large pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Reserve ¼ cup of walnut chorizo for garnish, then add the remaining walnut chorizo to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until skillet looks nearly dry, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheeses and cook, stirring constantly, until fully melted, about 30 seconds.
Quickly transfer queso to an ovenproof serving bowl. Place under broiler until bubbly and lightly browned. Sprinkle with cilantro and remaining walnut chorizo to garnish and serve immediately with tortilla chips or soft corn tortillas.