Tortillas are a cornerstone of true
Mexican cuisine. Tortillas,
both corn and flour, are found on every
table at every meal. It is no wonder that tortillas are also a
favorite dessert component. They are such a huge part of the Mexican
diet that the government regulates how much can be charged for corn
tortillas. Today, I am making fruit filled chimichangas, using flour
tortillas. You can make your own tortillas or purchase them. The
only criteria is that they be very thin. Not those clod-hoppery
tortillas that you can fill with 3 pounds of beans, but tortillas
that are almost paper thin. If you have a tortillaria near your
home, ask them to make some for you. It is just a simple adjustment
on their equipment.
Fruit is also a staple of the Mexican
diet. Some are more expensive than others, like apples which are
imported. But many fruits are grown right here in Mexico, so those
will be the ones we use.
I have chosen peaches....... I love
peaches....... but you can choose apples, apricots, berries,
pineapple, bananas – you get the idea.
I am only making enough for Pete and I
today. So will use 4 flour tortillas – 2 each.
2 fresh peaches, peeled and
seeds removed. Dice into large squares and place in a small pan with
1 tablespoon sugar. Gently sauté the peaches until the sugar
melts. In a small cup, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1
tablespoon cold water. Add to the warm peaches and stir until
clear and thickened.
Spread ¼ of the peach mixture in a
line on each tortilla. Fold one end over the fruit, then each side
to make a sort of pocket and then roll the other end to enclose the
fruit.
Heat vegetable oil in a large
pan to about 1/2” depth. Pop in a small square of bread and if it
gets crispy, you are ready to fry the tortillas. Gently place the
filled tortillas into the oil, seam side down. Fry until that side
is golden brown, then turn and fry the other side. Remove to a plate
lined with paper towels to absorb the oil.
Place 2 chimi's on each plate and
sprinkle with some powdered sugar. May be served with ice cream or
whipped cream too.
A word of warning: the fruit will be
like napalm so let it cool slightly before digging in. You know how
that first piece of pizza burns the roof of your mouth? This is
worse!
Geez.......I had planned on taking
photos of the beautiful chimi's I made, but Pete and a friend ate
them while I was writing this!!!! Good grief!!! Is nothing
sacred??? Photos to follow another day...
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