Bayless's Queso Fundido al Tequila

• Recipe by Rick Bayless

Chef Rick Bayless is renowned for cookbooks featuring elaborate Mexican recipes. With Mexican Everyday, he's finally published a cookbook for fast weeknight cooking. This simple, 20-minute dip of melted cheese flavored with tomatoes, chiles, onion and a hit of tequila is just the thing to satisfy a sudden craving for something warm, salty and gooey.

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2. 2 medium tomatoes—cored, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
3. 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
4. 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
5. Kosher salt
6. 3 tablespoons tequila
7. 1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (3 cups)
8. 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
9. Warm corn tortillas or corn chips, for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the diced tomatoes, minced jalapeños, diced onion and a large pinch of salt and cook over moderately high heat, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the tequila and cook, stirring frequently, until the skillet looks nearly dry, about 2 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until fully melted, about 30 seconds. Quickly transfer the queso fundido to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve immediately, with tortillas or chips.