564482 chimichangas

12 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
¼cupBacon grease
2cupsChopped or shredded cooked beef, pork or chicken
1mediumOnion, diced
2Garlic cloves, minced
2mediumsTomatoes, chopped
2cans(4 oz. each) chopped green chilies
1largePeeled boiled potato, diced
1teaspoonSalt
teaspoonDried oregano
1To 2 tsp. chili powder or to taste
2tablespoonsMinced fresh cilantro
12largesFlour tortillas, warmed Vegetable oil Shredded Cheddar cheese Sour cream Guacamole Salsa Shredded lettuce Chopped tomatoes Sliced ripe olives

Directions

In a skillet, melt bacon grease over medium heat. Saute meat, onion, garlic tomatoes, chilies and potatoes until the onion softens. Add salt, oregano, chili powder and cilantro; simmer 2-3 minutes. Place a scant ½ cup meat filling on each tortilla. Fold, envelope-style, like a burrito. Fry seam side down, in ½ inch of hot oil (360-375 degrees) until crispy and brown. Turn and brown other side. Drain briefly on a paper towel. Place on a serving plate and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Place shredded lettuce next to chimichanga and top with tomatoes and olives. Serve immediately. Yield: 12 servings. Though still debated.

Tuscon is generally credited as the original home of the chimichanga (a fried "burro", as we call them, stuffed with meat, onions and chilies). I've combined several recipes into this one, and it's fairly authentic.

Submitted By BARRY WEINSTEIN On 03-02-95