Crispy Southwest Chimichangas

Chimichangas Recipe

Overview:

Chimichangas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. This recipe from lovewithrecipes.com serves 8 and is perfect for a festive Southwestern U.S.-inspired meal, requiring a total time of 2 hours, with 30 minutes of prep time and 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck
• 1 1/2 lbs beef round steak
• 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
• 2 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 – 1 cup flour (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 can (14.5 oz) whole tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:

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   • In a large kettle, combine beef chuck, beef round steak, pork shoulder, and water. Bring to a boil.
   • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the meat is fork-tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
   • Drain the meat, reserving 1 cup of broth. Shred the meat when cool enough to handle.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, diced green chilies, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
   • Stir in flour, salt, and ground cumin. Cook for another 1 minute.
   • Gradually stir in the reserved broth and shredded meat. Cook until the mixture is moist but quite thick. Keep warm.

3. Assemble the Chimichangas:

   • Heat each tortilla on a large griddle or skillet until soft and pliable.
   • Spread about 3/4 cup of the meat mixture over the lower third of each tortilla, forming a band about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.
   • Work quickly to prevent the tortilla from crisping.
   • Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, covering it almost completely.
   • Fold the two sides in towards the center over the filling and then roll up tightly to form a cylinder. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

4. Fry the Chimichangas:

   • Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet until very hot.
   • Carefully sauté two chimichangas at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, turning with two broad spatulas to ensure even frying.
   • Drain the fried chimichangas on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the chimichangas hot, accompanied by green chili salsa.
   • Garnish with shredded lettuce and slices of avocado for a fresh contrast to the crispy chimichangas.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 851.4
• Fat: 46.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 15.3g
• Cholesterol: 119.1mg
• Sodium: 1953.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 66.2g
  • Fiber: 4.9g
  • Sugars: 5.4g
• Protein: 40.5g

Tips:

• Ensure the tortillas are warmed sufficiently to prevent them from cracking when rolled.
• Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chilies according to your preference.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for frying to maintain an even temperature and achieve a crisp texture.

Conclusion:

This chimichangas recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The combination of tender, flavorful meat filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla, topped with salsa and fresh garnishes, makes it a favorite Tex-Mex treat that will delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the flavors of the Southwest with this delicious chimichangas recipe from lovewithrecipes.com!