Instructions: In a large heavy skillet cook the onion, the garlic, the cumin and the chili powder in 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil over moderately-low heat, stirring, until the onion is soft, add the chuck, and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring and breaking up any lumps, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the tomato paste and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, until the meat is cooked through. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool.

In the skillet, cleaned, heat 3/4-inch of the additional oil to 375 degrees and in it fry the tortilla chips in batches for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until most of the bubbling subsides. Transfer the chips with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and sprinkle them with salt to taste. The tortilla chips may be made 1 day in advance and kept in an airtight container.

On a large deep platter or in a large bowl arrange the romaine, spoon the beef mixture over it, and arrange the tortilla chips, the tomatoes, the Cheddar and the scallion decoratively over the salad.

Make the vinaigrette: In a blender blend together the garlic, the vinegar, the lemon juice, the cumin, and salt and black pepper to taste, with the motor running add the oil in a stream, and blend the vinaigrette until it is emulsified. Add the tomato, the jalapeno pepper and the coriander and blend the vinaigrette until it is smooth. Transfer the vinaigrette to a small bowl and serve it with the salad or pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss the salad until it is combined well.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.