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### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Flautas Filling**
Start by cooking and shredding your choice of meat. For example, if you’re using chicken, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs in a pot with some garlic, onion, and water to create a flavorful broth. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and season it with salt, pepper, and any spices you like.
You can also use leftover cooked meat or ground beef for convenience. If you want a vegetarian version, consider using **seasoned beans** or sautéed vegetables like **potatoes**, **mushrooms**, or **zucchini**.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Drowned Sauce**
In a blender or food processor, combine the **tomatoes**, **serrano chilies**, **onion**, and **garlic**. Blend until smooth.
In a medium pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Pour the tomato mixture into the pot and cook for about **5-7 minutes**, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deeper, roasted flavor.
Add the **chicken broth**, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with **salt**, **pepper**, and a tablespoon of **vinegar** (optional for extra acidity). If you like your sauce spicier, you can add more serrano chilies or even a dash of hot sauce at this point. Once it’s ready, set the sauce aside.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Flautas**
Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Warm the **corn tortillas** for about **10-15 seconds** on each side until they’re soft but not crispy. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.
Once the tortillas are softened, place a spoonful of the shredded meat (and cheese if you’re using it) in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly into a cylinder shape, making sure the filling is secure inside.
Next, heat enough vegetable oil in a skillet to deep fry the flautas. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the rolled tortillas to the oil, frying them until they’re golden and crispy on all sides, about **2-3 minutes per side**. Remove the flautas and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
#### **Step 4: Drown the Flautas**
Once your flautas are fried and crispy, it’s time to assemble the dish. Arrange the fried flautas in a serving dish and pour the **warm sauce** over them, ensuring they’re generously soaked but not completely submerged (you don’t want them to get soggy—just “drowned” in flavor).
You can serve the **sauced flautas** immediately or let them sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to soak in slightly.
#### **Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve**
Once the flautas are drenched in sauce, top them with your choice of **sour cream**, **shredded lettuce**, **sliced avocado**, and a sprinkle of **fresh cilantro**. You can also serve them with **lime wedges** on the side to add a fresh, zesty kick.
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some **crumbled queso fresco** or your favorite cheese over the top.
Serve these delicious **Flautas Ahogadas** with a side of **Mexican rice**, **beans**, or a simple **side salad** for a complete and satisfying meal.
### **Tips and Variations:**
– **Add Heat**: If you like your flautas with more heat, add **jalapeños**, **chipotle peppers**, or **hot sauce** to the tomato sauce to spice things up.
– **Make It Vegetarian**: For a vegetarian version, swap out the meat for **refried beans**, **sautéed mushrooms**, or roasted **sweet potatoes**.
– **Cheese Lovers**: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, add more **melted cheese** inside the flautas before frying them for a gooey, cheesy bite.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prep the flautas and sauce ahead of time, then just fry and assemble when you’re ready to eat. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
### **Why You’ll Love Flautas Ahogadas:**
**Flautas Ahogadas** offer a unique take on traditional tacos, with their combination of crispy fried tortillas and savory, flavorful sauce. The delicious interplay between the crunchy texture of the flautas and the rich, tangy sauce makes this dish stand out. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or enjoying a cozy meal on your own, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
### **Conclusion:**
If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your dinner rotation, **Flautas Ahogadas** are the perfect choice. With their crispy tortillas, flavorful fillings, and zesty tomato sauce, these Mexican **drowned tacos** are an irresistible treat. They’re not only full of vibrant flavors but also a fun dish to make and share with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a flavorful weeknight meal, **Flautas Ahogadas** will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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