Cooking with Luisa – Taquitos

My friend Luisa, who taught me how to make Sopa De Tortilla recently, also taught me how to make Taquitos.  Taquitos are a Mexican dish made of rolled-up tortillas with a filling. The filled tortilla is fried and served with a variety of toppings.  Luisa demonstrated the dish with store-bought rotisserie chicken but these little crunchy rolls can be easily made vegetarian by using beans and cheese or any other vegetable of your (or your kids’) liking.  A side of rice and beans will complete this meal.  I am thinking these are a good vehicle for any kind of leftovers – I may try them with leftover curry one day!   Could work for school lunches and this will be a tasty addition to your birthday party buffet.

I am looking forward to my next lesson in Mexican home-cooking with Luisa.

Serves 2 adults and 2 kids

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (leftovers or store bought rotisserie)

10 small corn tortillas

Vegetable oil for shallow frying taquitos

Garnish with:

1 cup salsa (store bought or home-made, red or green)

1 diced avocado

Sour cream or yogurt

Feta or queso fresco

1. Place 1-2 tbsp of shredded chicken at the center of tortilla and roll up like a cigar
2. Secure the roll with a toothpick and place the taquito in the heated oil (use a large frying pan or fry in batches)
3. Fry on all sides till golden brown and crispy
4. Garnish with toppings of choice (kids will enjoy this!)

If you make the taquitos ahead of time you can re-heat them in the oven and add the garnishes right before serving.