Cooking Basics: Flautas

While many of you may not think of cheese flautas as being basic they are a fantastic easier-than-you-think addition to your cooking repertoire.

They go together in minutes, nearly everyone loves them, and the filling variations are endless; cheese, cheese and chile, cheese and chicken, chicken and chile, left over beef, taco..the list is endless and can end up with such interesting variations as brie, chipotle, and pecan…or mushroom and parmesan…

You can have your own Mexican Restaurant at home.

If you aren’t hooked yet, then consider that they can be everything from an appetizer, to a snack…main course to dessert (can you imagine pecan praline flautas with cinnamon ice cream?)  There ya go..now you’re getting it!

The hardest thing about flautas is holding them together while they are frying.  There are a few ways to do it.  You can secure the rolls with toothpicks or you can hold them partially in the hot oil and wait for the heat to glue them together.  I use the latter method but I would suggest the toothpick method to use at first.

Some people use a layer of oil in the frying pan.  I prefer using the deep fryer, I think you get more consistent results.

So, here is the basic recipe. Use any variation that appeals to you.  If you have 15 minutes you have time to make these for dinner.

Cheese Flautas

8 ozs grated cheese

4 tbs canned chiles (or chipotle, or…)

12 corn tortillas

Deep fryer heated to 375F

Warm the tortillas in a microwave until they are pliable.  Keep them covered so they stay warm.  Place 1 tbs cheese and a sprinkle of the chiles down the center of the tortilla.  FOld in the ends and then roll so that the cheese is sealed inside.  Secure with toothpicks.

Repeat

*Tip: lower the basket slowly into the oil to keep them form unwrapping!

Fry a few at a time until crispy and golden.  Allow to drain, turn out on absorbent toweling and serve hot with salsa, queso, or ranch dip.

Need a bigger meal?

For a more substantial meal add Chicken Tortilla Soup , a salad, and finish with Sopapillas!

Is that all? You bet! That is it.  You can use any type of tortillas you like.  Breakfast, lunch or dinner…Slow food that is FAST!

image:marye audet