A chalupa is a Mexican dish consisting of a thick, fried dough shell which is filled with seasoned meat, salsa, cheese, lettuce, vegetables, and topped with sour cream.
To form a chalupa, masa dough is moulded into a shell shape, which becomes golden and crispy when fried. The texture of the shell is more like a flatbread than a crispy tortilla.
Chalupas are a popular street food in Mexico; they are enjoyed as a quick snack, or as a meal. They are also a common choice for breakfast, topped with eggs and served with a side of salsa and refried beans.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Chalupas are believed to have originated in South-Central Mexico, in the states of Puebla and Oaxaca, although its exact origin is debated. The word chalupa comes from name of a small type of Aztec boat, referencing the shape of the fried shell.
In many Mexican households, chalupas are eaten at family gatherings and celebrations. They are often found at festivals, street food fairs and special occasions.
While the base of this dish typically consists of a thick, fried tortilla, its toppings can vary greatly. For example, Chalupas Poblanas are topped with shredded meat and cheese, while Chalupas Oaxaqueñas are topped with black bean paste, shredded cabbage and chili sauce.
A similar Mexican dish is Tostada; crispy tortillas topped with various ingredients, resembling an open chalupa.
Mexican Chalupa Recipe
Mexican Chalupa is a thick, fried tortilla shell which is filled with meat, salsa, cheese, lettuce, vegetables, and topped with sour cream.
Ingredients
- Corn Tortillas - 6
- Refried beans - 1 cup
- Shredded cooked chicken or beef - 1 cup
- Lettuce, shredded - 1 cup
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry the corn tortillas one at a time until they become crisp and slightly puffed, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans on each tortilla.
- Top the beans with shredded lettuce, followed by the cooked chicken or beef.
- Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the toppings.
- Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top and add a pinch of salt if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 457Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 788mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 7gSugar: 3gProtein: 25g
Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.