Southwestern Chimichangas
This southwestern chimichanga recipe is made with quinoa instead of rice. It makes quite a bit (12-16 chimichangas), so feel free to adjust the recipe it if your family isn’t as big as mine. If you’re going to the trouble of frying, why not just make them all and freeze the leftovers for another night. It’s just like buying a box of frozen chimichangas, only they’re healthier and less expensive. Alternatively, invite the neighbors over for dinner, if you’re a social type. I have a stock of them in a zipper bag in the freezer (neighbors weren’t invited). I am lazy & introverted.
Quinoa Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 12 flour tortillas
- 2 cups quinoa cooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup fiesta corn corn, green & red bell peppers
- 1 can black beans canned
- 1 small can green chiles
- 1/4 cup red onions diced
- 1 roma tomato diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the: diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, black beans, fiesta corn, green chiles, diced red onions, and lime juice. Mix until combined thoroughly.
- In a deep fryer or large cast iron skillet, add vegetable oil as per manufacturer instructions or until the oil reaches 1-1.5 inches high in the skillet. Preheat the oil on medium/low heat.
- Place an uncooked flour tortilla on a flat surface.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop two tablespoons of the quinoa mixture and place it onto the tortilla. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, if desired.
- Tuck in the ends of the tortilla and roll it.
- Place the uncooked chimichanga into the preheated oil in the skillet or fryer.
- Fry the chimichanga for 2-4 minutes total, turning once to ensure both sides reach a golden brown appearance.
- Remove the fried chimichanga from the oil and place on a cooling rack with a paper towel underneath to catch any dripping oil.
p.s. Despite how awesome I might appear online, mistakes happen. If you happen to spot one on this recipe, save your fellow cooks a disaster and let me know by using the contact form.
