Craving authentic Mexican street food but don't have time for a trip south of the border? Then look no further! This recipe will guide you through making delicious, homemade chalupas, a beloved Mexican dish featuring crispy fried tortillas topped with savory ingredients. Forget complicated recipes and long shopping lists; our version is surprisingly simple and uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project. You'll be amazed at how easily you can create these flavorful, satisfying little boats of goodness.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect blend of textures and tastes! From the satisfying crunch of the fried tortillas to the rich and vibrant flavors of the toppings, these chalupas are a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own irresistible homemade chalupas!
Tools Needed
- Large bowl
- Medium frying pan
- Rolling pin
- Knife
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 2 pounds
- White onion: 1/2
- Roma tomato: 1
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Flour (for dusting)
- Vegetable shortening: 2 tablespoons
- Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Cheese (your choice)
- Lettuce
- Sour cream: 1 1/2 cups
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Chalupa Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add shortening and mix into the flour.
- Slowly add milk and combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until no longer sticky. Let it rest in a covered bowl for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Savory Beef Filling
- Dice the tomato and onion. In a medium frying pan over medium-high heat, add oil, then add diced tomato and onion and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and break it apart. Add cumin, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and garlic salt.
- Mix well and cook for 4 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Drain excess oil if desired.
Step 3. Fry and Shape the Chalupas
- Dust a clean countertop with flour. Divide the dough into portions, form into balls, and roll out each ball thinly, like a tortilla.
- Heat oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Fry each rolled dough for 1 minute per side, pressing down to remove bubbles. Fold in half to create a chalupa shape and cook for an additional 45 seconds per side.
- Remove chalupas from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Fill each chalupa with the meat filling, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Don't make the chalupa dough too thin or too thick.
- Serve the chalupas hot for best enjoyment.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700 per chalupa (depending on size and toppings)
- Fat: 30-40gg
- Carbs: 50-60gg
- Protein: 25-30gg
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give your chalupas a slightly different texture and flavor, but they work perfectly well. Just ensure they are the small, round kind.
2. What can I substitute for the refried beans?
Feel free to use black beans, pinto beans, or even a simple seasoned bean salad as a topping alternative. Get creative!
3. How can I make my chalupas extra crispy?
Partially fry the tortillas first, then let them air dry for a few minutes before adding them back to the oil for a crispier finish. Using fresh oil at the correct temperature also helps.
So there you have it – your very own batch of delicious, homemade chalupas! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors of this authentic Mexican street food, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!