It’s amazing how vivid a memory can be, even after decades have passed. I went to Lawry’s California Center in Los Angeles a few times back in the ’70s and ’80s, and I still remember the ambience/hacienda style decor of the place and that the food was excellent. I especially liked one of their side dishes, “Lawry’s Sour Cream Tortilla Casserole”, it was sooo good.
I’d say it’s a pretty good indicator how popular the food was (actually, it was the side dishes, because the main course was basically a grilled steak or chicken), because of the knock off recipes you find in abundance on the web, even after the center has been closed for years.
Here’s the recipe for the “Lawry’s Sour Cream Tortilla Casserole”. This came directly from the Lawry’s website back in 2003. I could no longer find it there at the time of this post.
“Lawry’s Sour Cream Tortilla Casserole”
A favorite side or meatless dish that used to be served at Lawry’s® California Center, before it’s closing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Lawry’s Products Needed:
Lawry’s® Seasoned Pepper
Lawrv’s® Taco Spices & Seasonings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups chopped onion, divided
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. EACH) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 package (1 oz.) Lawry’s® Taco Spices & Seasonings
1/4 cup chunky salsa
12 corn tortillas
1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 cups sour cream
Lawry’s® Seasoned Pepper
In medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium high heat and cook 1/2-cup
onion until tender. Add tomatoes, Taco Spices and Seasonings and salsa. Bring to a
boil; reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes. In small skillet, fry tortillas
lightly, one at a time, in small amount of oil, 10 to 15 seconds on each side. In
bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking dish, pour 1/2 cup sauce. Arrange layer of tortillas over
sauce; top with 1/3 EACH of sauce, onion and cheese. Repeat layers 2 times.
Spread sour cream over cheese. Sprinkle lightly with Seasoned Pepper. Bake in
325 degree oven 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Variation: Lawry’s® Spices & Seasonings for Chili (1.62 oz.) may be substituted for
Taco Spices & Seasonings. For fewer calories, do not fry tortillas.
Enjoy!
