ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Flauta Filling:**
– If you’re using cooked chicken, pork, or beef, shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover roasted chicken, pulled pork, or ground beef—anything that’s tender and flavorful works well.
– For added richness, you can mix in a little refried beans with the meat, creating a creamy texture and an additional layer of flavor. If you prefer a cheesy filling, sprinkle in some shredded cheese to melt inside the flauta as it fries.
**2. Prepare the Salsa Roja (Drowning Sauce):**
– To make the sauce, start by roasting the tomatoes, guajillo chiles, onion, and garlic. Place them on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat for a few minutes, turning them occasionally until the skins of the tomatoes are lightly charred, and the chiles become aromatic.
– Once roasted, remove the stems and seeds from the chiles, and place the tomatoes, chiles, onion, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Add ground cumin, oregano, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.
– In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Pour the blended sauce into the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
– Add the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside while you prepare the flautas.
**3. Fry the Flautas:**
– Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
– While the oil heats, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable.
– Spoon the filling onto each tortilla and roll them tightly into cylinders. Secure the ends with a toothpick if needed to keep them closed.
– Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the flautas in batches, turning them occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. Drain the flautas on paper towels to remove excess oil.
**4. Assemble the Flautas Ahogadas:**
– Once the flautas are fried and crispy, remove the toothpicks and place them in a large serving dish or plate.
– Pour the prepared salsa roja generously over the top of the flautas, “drowning” them in the flavorful sauce.
– You can cover the entire dish with sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for guests to pour over their own tacos. The key is to make sure each flauta is well-coated with that delicious, spicy goodness.
**5. Add Toppings:**
– Garnish the Flautas Ahogadas with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, and a few slices of radish for added crunch.
– Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish, and perhaps some extra salsa if you like it spicier.
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Side Dishes**: Flautas Ahogadas are hearty on their own but can be paired with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
– **Drinks**: Pair your Flautas Ahogadas with a cold, refreshing drink like horchata, agua fresca, or a margarita for the ultimate Mexican feast.
### Tips for Success:
– **Make it Spicy**: If you love heat, add more dried chipotle chiles to the salsa roja or include a few fresh jalapeños to the mix.
– **Make-Ahead Option**: You can prepare the filling and salsa ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the filling and sauce, and fry the flautas when you’re ready to serve.
– **Vegetarian Version**: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian take on Flautas Ahogadas. You can also use tofu or beans as a filling.
### Conclusion:
Flautas Ahogadas are a bold and flavorful Mexican dish that combines the crispy perfection of flautas with the richness of a spicy, savory sauce. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with an authentic Mexican meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The crispy tortillas, savory filling, and drenched-in-salsa goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, go ahead—try your hand at these delicious **drowned tacos**, and bring a taste of Mexico to your table!
ADVERTISEMENT
