Why Flautas are a Great Idea
Flautas are a delicious and crispy Mexican dish that are perfect for a family dinner or a party snack. They are made by filling corn tortillas with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, onions, and cilantro, and then rolling them tightly and frying them until they are golden brown and crispy. Flautas are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Ingredients
To make 10 flautas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups of shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Cooking Steps
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In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the shredded cheese, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
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Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
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Place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll tightly.
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Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place the flautas seam-side down in the hot oil and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Vegetarian Flautas
To make vegetarian flautas, simply substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and mashed black beans or refried beans. You can also add some diced peppers, jalapeños, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Baked Flautas
If you prefer a healthier version of this dish, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, brush the flautas with a little bit of oil or melted butter, and bake them on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Conclusion
Flautas are a delicious and easy to make Mexican dish that everyone will love. Whether you serve them as a party snack or a family dinner, they are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy the crispy and savory flavors of this classic dish.
FAQ
What are flautas?
Flautas are a popular Mexican dish made with rolled-up tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, or cheese.
What type of tortillas should I use for flautas?
You should use corn tortillas for flautas. Flour tortillas are not recommended because they do not hold up well when rolled and fried.
How do I prevent my flautas from falling apart when I fry them?
To prevent flautas from falling apart when frying, use toothpicks to hold them together. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.
Can I make flautas in advance?
Yes, you can make flautas in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat them, place them in the oven or air fryer until they are crispy and heated through.
What type of oil should I use to fry flautas?
You should use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to fry flautas.
Can I bake flautas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake flautas instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, brush the flautas with oil, and bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
What should I serve with flautas?
Flautas are typically served with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and/or shredded lettuce. Rice and beans also make great side dishes.
Can I make flautas vegetarian?
Yes, you can make flautas vegetarian by filling them with beans, cheese, and/or vegetables such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
How do I roll flautas?
To roll flautas, place your filling in the center of a tortilla and roll it up tightly. Secure the ends with toothpicks, if necessary, and fry or bake until crispy and golden.
Can I freeze flautas?
Yes, you can freeze flautas for up to 2 months. To reheat them, place them in the oven or air fryer until they are crispy and heated through.
