It is a fascinating deep-fried tortilla wrapped around a filling such as meat. It is deep-fried to golden brown perfection, garnished with cheese and sauces, and served over lettuce with refried beans.
Chimichangas are one of the most popular Mexican snacks. Do you want to know a little more about its history? Others claim that this delicious snack is of Mexican origins, originating in the northern Mexican state of Sonora and that it was brought to Arizona by migrants.
However, many Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern restaurants in the United States serve this Mexican snack. Also, according to family lore, the restaurant’s founder slipped a burrito into the deep fryer by mistake, exclaiming “chimichanga,” which means “thingamajig” in Spanish.
Therefore, it is guaranteed that this Mexican food will continue to intrigue you, starting with its history. Now, learn more about this dish and what is inside its golden-fried, crispy crust.
Difference between burrito and chimichanga
A chimichanga is essentially a fried burrito and may be filled with various ingredients and toppings. The first essential thing to know is the difference between a burrito and a chimichanga.
A burrito is a deliciously loaded flour tortilla with meat, veggies, and seasonings of your choice. The most significant distinction between these two is the deep-frying phase at the end of the process. It becomes a chimichanga when you drop the elegantly wrapped and packed tortilla into the deep fryer.
The classic version
The inside of this snack is undoubtedly filled with extreme goodness. The filling varies across households. The classic version is packed with a hefty portion of:
- Meat (chicken, beef, pork)
- Veggies
- Different spices
The additional fillings
A wide variety of choices are available when customising your food. You may use the following as additional fillings.
- Regular white rice
- Seasoned Mexican-style rice
- Refried beans
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
Some taco and burrito fillings
Also, you may choose from any of the following typical taco and burrito fillings to add more flavour.
- Carnitas
- Carne Asada
- Barbacoa
- Birria
Don’t forget the cheese
For you to fully enjoy this food, of course, adding cheese and other toppings must also be considered.
- Tex-Mex queso
- Mild Jack
- Chihuahua
- Cheddar cheese
- Guacamole
- Lettuce and tomatoes
- Red enchilada sauce
- Sour Cream
Moreover, considering the texture of a chimichanga compared to a burrito, the surface of the shell or wrapping is the critical distinction. Therefore, the only actual requirement is that this Mexican dish is wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep-fried. Apart from that, the contents and fillings of your snacks are solely limited by your culinary creativity.
Chimichangas are frequently served on a plate with a knife and fork. In constructing it, all the fresh or cold toppings in a regular burrito are served on the side. Ladle as much as you’d like on top of your plated snack. You can assemble your food, depending on your personal preference.
However, shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and diced tomatoes are good additions to your plate. Also, many individuals prefer to cover their food in a sauce to make it more delicious and flavourful. There are many recipes out there that you can try out for yourself. Indeed, you can’t resist the goodness of a Mexican dish like this.
