Flautas Ahogadas Mexican Drowned Tacos

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Skill Level: Medium
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Flautas:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken or beef (or use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1-2 dried guajillo or ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed (optional, for a mild kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Garnishing:

• Chopped lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced radishes
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Season the shredded chicken or beef with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Set aside.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and dried chiles (if using).
   • Sauté until tomatoes soften and start breaking down, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
   • Carefully blend the sauce until smooth. Return it to the pan to keep warm on low heat.
3. Prepare the Flautas:
   • Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
   • Place a small amount of filling in each tortilla, roll it tightly, and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
   • In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the flautas, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Assemble the Flautas Ahogadas:
   • Place the fried flautas on a serving plate. Ladle the warm tomato sauce generously over the flautas to “drown” them.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Top the flautas ahogadas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, radishes, a drizzle of crema, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 540mg

Flautas Ahogadas are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and richly flavorful thanks to the delicious tomato sauce and fresh garnishes. Serve them with extra sauce for dipping and enjoy!