Flautas de tinga is a Mexican dish that consists of crispy tortilla rolls filled with a spicy and flavorful tinga filling. The tinga fiilling is made with braised shredded meat (usually chicken or pork) that is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and chipotle peppers. In this Flautas de Tinga recipe, we go with chicken as the meat protein.
However, the meat is sometimes subtitued for chickpeas for a plant-based version. It is usually spicy and smoky with a complex flavor derived from the chipotle peppers. At the end, the tortillas are rolled tightly around it and then fried until crispy.
Table of Contents
About this recipe
Flautas de Tinga fuses its spicy tinga filling with itscrispy flautas. In so doing, the dish harmonizes contrasting textures and flavors, creating a delicious flavor.
Flautas de Tinga recipe background
Tinga is a classic shredded chicken dish soaked in a tomato and chipotle sauce. When this delectable filling meets the crunchy shell of a flauta, you get an epic kitchen creation!
The Tinga Evolution
| Era | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Pre-Hispanic | Basic meat stews |
| Spanish Colonial | Introduction of chipotle |
| Modern | Fusion into Flautas |
Why make this recipe?
Reasons to indulge
- Spicy and smoky
- Perfect for gatherings
- Crispy and juicy
What does Flautas de Tinga taste like?
Spicy chicken is tender and wrapped in a crispy golden shell. It’s of smoky, spicy, and crispy sensation.
What is in Flautas de Tinga?
- Shell: Corn tortillas
- Filling: Chicken tinga
- Toppings: Sour cream, lettuce, cheese
Equipment required for this recipe
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken Tinga
- 1.5 lbs (700g) cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
Ingredients for Flautas
- Small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream, lettuce, cheese, and avocado for serving
- Wooden toothpicks (to secure the flautas while frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Tinga
- Follow the Chicken Tinga recipe provided in the previous message to prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Tortillas
- Heat the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking. You can do this on a griddle or in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds between two damp paper towels.
3. Assemble the Flautas
- Place a generous amount of Chicken Tinga along the center of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a wooden toothpick to prevent it from unrolling during frying.
4. Fry the Flautas
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flautas in the oil, seam-side down.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
- Serve the flautas hot, garnished with sour cream, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, and avocado slices.
Notes
- Keep Them Crisp: To keep the flautas crisp after frying, consider placing them on a baking rack instead of paper towels.
- Baked Version: For a lighter version, you can bake the flautas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden.
- Dipping Sauce: Consider serving with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a cilantro-lime dipping sauce.
Enjoy your flautas de tinga with your favorite sides and toppings!
Serve with ..
- Cilantro lime rice
- Spicy margarita
My recommendations and tips
- Use homemade tinga for the best flavor.
- Secure the flautas with toothpicks while frying.
Flautas de Tinga storage ideas
Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Crisp them up in the oven before serving.
Potential ingredients substitutes
| Original Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Beef |
| Corn Tortillas | Flour Tortillas |
| Sour Cream | Greek Yogurt |
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it very spicy?
- You can adjust the spiciness by using less chipotle.
- Can I freeze them?
- Yes, but best to reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Conclusion
Flautas de Tinga are the epitome of a finger-licking good dish. They’re full of flavor and texture, making them a hit for any occasion.
