Chavindecas Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Explore a scrumptious Chavindecas recipe, a Mexican delight filled with cheese & more. Embrace the flavors of Guerrero in every bite. Let's cook it today!

Chavindecas

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 450 calories

Chavindecas, a delightful Mexican culinary creation, embody the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Originating in the state of Guerrero, these delectable treats have made their way from street vendors and fairs to becoming a beloved dish enjoyed by people in various parts of Mexico and beyond.

The name "chavindecas" is a fusion of Nahuatl and Spanish words, symbolizing its essence. "Chava," meaning "to fold" in Nahuatl, reflects the characteristic folding of two flour tortillas that encase the filling. The term "de queso" pays homage to the inclusion of cheese, the heart and soul of these quesadilla-like creations.

Chavindecas are a canvas for culinary creativity, with fillings that cater to diverse tastes. The process involves layering a mixture of ingredients between two tortillas, which are then carefully fried to golden perfection.

A multitude of fillings can be used, ranging from succulent meats like shredded chicken to an array of vegetables and aromatic spices. One can find chavindecas with seasoned beef, roasted poblano peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and more, all bound by a blanket of melted cheese.

These delightful treats evoke the spirit of Mexican street food culture. They are often sold by street vendors who skillfully prepare them on griddles, infusing the air with tantalizing aromas that beckon passersby. Chavindecas have become a cherished sight at fairs, carnivals, and local gatherings, where they are relished by people of all ages. Their versatility and ability to cater to personal tastes have contributed to their growing popularity, even beyond the borders of Mexico.

In the modern culinary landscape, chavindecas showcase the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Rooted in ancient techniques and flavors, they continue to evolve as chefs and home cooks experiment with new fillings, seasonings, and methods of preparation.

Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a hearty appetizer, or a satisfying main dish, chavindecas encapsulate the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine, inviting us to savor every fold and bite.

Recipe

Dive into the irresistible world of Chavindecas! Discover an authentic Mexican recipe bursting with flavor and heritage. Let's cook up a fiesta!

Ingredients

2 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cooked chicken (seasoned with Mexican spices)
1 roasted poblano pepper, peeled, seeded, and sliced
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Method Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with your favorite Mexican spices (such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Chavindecas:

Place one tortilla on a clean surface.
Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla.
Layer half of the seasoned shredded chicken on top of the cheese.
Arrange the sliced roasted poblano peppers over the chicken.
Add a layer of sliced red onion and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Add the Second Layer:

Place the second tortilla over the filling, pressing down gently.

Frying the Chavindecas:

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Carefully transfer the assembled chavindecas to the skillet and cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy.

Flipping and Cooking:

Carefully flip the chavindecas to cook the other side until it's golden and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

Remove the chavindecas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing.
Cut the chavindecas into wedges and serve them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or Mexican crema on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Mexican chavindecas with the delightful combination of flavors and textures from the seasoned chicken, roasted poblano peppers, and melted cheese. It's a perfect dish for gatherings or simply enjoying a taste of Mexico at home.

Recipe Video

Chavindecas

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Recipe Tags: Chavindecas, Chavindecas Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving chavindecas is a delightful experience that allows you to enjoy their flavors and textures to the fullest. Here's how you can serve these Mexican quesadillas:

Presentation: Place the cooked chavindecas on a serving plate. They can be served as whole folded quesadillas or sliced into wedges for easier sharing and consumption.
Accompaniments: Chavindecas are often accompanied by a variety of condiments and sides that enhance their flavors. Consider serving them with:
- Salsas: Provide a selection of salsas with varying levels of heat, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or smoky chipotle salsa.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a cool contrast to the warm and cheesy chavindecas.
- Mexican Crema: Drizzle a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream on top for a touch of richness.
- Pickled Onions: Quick-pickled red onions add a tangy and colorful element to the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges for squeezing over the chavindecas, adding a zesty brightness.
Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, or crumbled queso fresco on top of the chavindecas just before serving. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall taste profile.
Sharing: Chavindecas are fantastic for sharing, making them perfect for gatherings and parties. Arrange them on a platter, allowing guests to help themselves and create their preferred combinations of condiments and toppings.
Beverage Pairing: Pair chavindecas with refreshing beverages that complement their flavors, such as traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, agua fresca, or a cold Mexican beer. Non-alcoholic options like hibiscus tea or citrus-infused water are also great choices.

Tips

Tortilla Selection: Choose good-quality flour tortillas for your chavindecas. Fresh or homemade tortillas can elevate the taste and texture of the dish.
Cheese Melting: To ensure that the cheese melts evenly, make sure it's shredded or sliced thinly. This will result in a gooey and satisfying filling.
Filling Distribution: When layering the filling, make sure to distribute it evenly across the tortilla. This will ensure that every bite is balanced in flavors.
Preparing Chicken: If using shredded chicken, season it well with your favorite Mexican spices. You can also marinate the chicken in advance to infuse it with flavor.
Roasting Poblano Peppers: When roasting poblano peppers, you can do so over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. Let them cool in a sealed plastic bag for a few minutes, then peel off the skin and remove the seeds before slicing.
Sautéing Vegetables: If using vegetables, sauté them until they are tender and have a slightly caramelized flavor. This will enhance their taste in the final dish.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying the chavindecas. Examples include vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.
Frying Temperature: Maintain a medium heat while frying the chavindecas. This allows the tortillas to become crispy without burning.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the chavindecas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with the fillings and condiments. Add ingredients like black beans, corn, or even a touch of spicy chorizo for an extra kick.
Slicing and Serving: Allow the chavindecas to cool slightly before slicing. This makes them easier to handle and prevents the filling from oozing out.
Enjoy Fresh: Chavindecas are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them right after cooking to experience the crispiness of the tortillas and the gooeyness of the melted cheese.

Ingredient Substitutes

Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be substituted with corn tortillas if you prefer a different texture. They will have a slightly different taste and may be more delicate to handle.
Cheese: Oaxaca cheese can be substituted with mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack cheese. These cheeses melt well and provide a gooey texture. If you're looking for a traditional Mexican flavor, you can use queso fresco or queso blanco. Keep in mind that these cheeses don't melt like Oaxaca or mozzarella, so the texture will be different.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken can be replaced with cooked and shredded beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein like black beans or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Roasted Poblano Peppers: If you can't find poblano peppers, you can use bell peppers for a milder flavor, or Anaheim peppers for a similar level of heat.
Red Onion: Red onion can be substituted with white or yellow onion, or even green onions for a milder onion flavor.
Cilantro: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous flavor.
Salsas and Condiments: Feel free to use store-bought salsas, guacamole, and crema if you're short on time. You can also customize the type of salsa you prefer, whether it's mild, medium, or hot.
Cooking Oil: Use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil.