[CH] SOFT FRIED TORTILLAS WITH TOMATILLO SALSA AND CHICKEN
Linda Hutchinson (lipant@sympatico.ca)
Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:31:25 -0500
This isn't TNT but it looks really good!! I have made tomatillo salsa in the
past but didn't use
a recipe.
SOFT FRIED TORTILLAS WITH TOMATILLO SALSA AND CHICKEN
Chalupas Poblanas de Pollo
Look for tightly stacked tortillas in packs of 50 (they can be frozen). They
are pressed tightly together to retain moisture and freshness and are
available in Latino markets and some supermarkets. Delicious tortillas can
also be mail-ordered from Maria & Ricardo's Tortilla Factory (800-881-7040).
Other Mexican ingredients are available at Mexican markets and many
supermarkets.
Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min
For tomatillo salsa
1/2 lb fresh tomatillos, husks discarded and tomatillos rinsed and quartered
3 fresh green serrano chiles, coarsely chopped (including seeds)
1/4 cup chopped white onion
3 garlic cloves, quartered
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
For chalupas
1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 (4-inch) corn tortillas (see cooks' note, below)
1 cup shredded cooked chicken (from 1 chicken breast half)
2 to 3 tablespoons crema or crème fraîche
1/3 cup finely chopped white onion
1/3 cup finely crumbled queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese)
Make salsa:
Purée tomatillos, chiles, onion, garlic, salt, and water in a blender until
smooth.
Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not
smoking, then carefully add tomatillo purée (oil will splatter) and simmer,
stirring, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and simmer 1
minute. Transfer to a small bowl.
Make chalupas:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 200°F.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in cleaned dried skillet over moderate heat until hot
but not smoking, then briefly cook tortillas, 3 at a time, until softened
and hot but still pale, about 10 seconds per side, adding more oil if
necessary. Transfer tortillas with tongs to paper towels to drain briefly,
then to a large shallow baking pan in oven to keep warm, arranging tortillas
in one layer (overlapping slightly if necessary) and covering pan with foil.
Spread each warm tortilla with about 1 teaspoon salsa, then top sparingly
with a few shreds of chicken. Thin crema with a little water and drizzle
over chicken, then sprinkle with onion and cheese. Serve immediately.
Cooks' notes:
. If you can't find 4-inch tortillas, you can buy larger ones and trim them
using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a paring knife.
. Salsa can be made 2 days ahead. Cool, uncovered, before chilling, covered.
Reheat to warm.
Makes 12 chalupas.
Gourmet
May 2004
.
Linda Hutchinson
Canadian Spice Market
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