Tuesday 16 April 2013

Baked chicken taquitos and guava margarita

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I love love love Mexican food. Sadly though London doesn't have that many Mexican restaurants and I think its worked to Ro's advantage because, given a choice, I would only pick a Mexican restaurant when we dine out. So when I'm left wanting Mexican food, I have these Mexican themed days at home where its all margaritas and quesadillas and stuff.

Last week I went into one of those "moods" and instead of doing the usual quesadillas (which I also did make) and tortilla wraps, I decided to try some new dishes. On the menu was the 7-layer dip which Id been eyeing ever since my cousin sent me a pic of her version but last minute movie plans were obviously more important than the dip and so I ditched that idea. Instead I made taquitos which, if you have the filling and everything ready a day before, is such a breeze to put together. They can be made days in advance and frozen and baked just before serving. 
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The original taquitos are deep fried, but that was definitely not an option for me. So I had to look for a baked version and these didn't disappoint. They are quite versatile and can be filled with anything you want, maybe even something sweet. 

No Mexican meal is complete without some margaritas and that's exactly what I paired these with. You get these massive margarita bottles in Costco and its become my absolute favourite. I keep trying different flavours with that as the base and all of it have turned out great. This time i made guava margaritas and added some jalapeƱos to it for that extra kick. I also rimmed the glass with smoked maldon sea salt which strangely tasted great with the spicy margarita.

Baked chicken taquitos (recipe adapted from here, makes 12)
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Chicken- 2 cups, cooked and shredded
Cream cheese- 3oz, softened
Salsa- 1/4 cup
Lime juice- 1 /2 tbsp
Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder- 1/2 tsp
Onion granules- 1/2 tsp (can use powder as well)
Garlic- 3 cloves, finely chopped
Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp
Spring onions- 2, finely chopped
Mexican spicy cheddar cheese- 1 cup (replace with cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese)
Flour tortillas- 12, small
Salt- to sprinkle
Oil- to brush
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Pre heat the oven to 220C and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the tortillas, salt and oil. 
Warm the tortillas for about 20 seconds, 3 at a time, in the microwave and keep ready.
Spoon in 2 table spoons of the filling on to one end of the tortilla and roll it up as tightly as possible. Don't over fill the tortillas or they will ooze out once in the oven.
Place on the baking tray, seam side down. and without touching each other.
Repeat till all the filling is used up.
Brush the tops of the rolled up taquitos with cooking oil and sprinkle salt on them.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or till the taquitos are crisp and golden brown.

Notes: I cooked chicken breast with salt and pepper in a saucepan and then shredded them using a fork
Original recipe called for parsley. I cant stand the herb so I used coriander leaves instead.
The cheese I used was spicy so my filling was a bit spicy (which we loved).

Guava margarita (makes 4)
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Lime juice- 1/2 cup
Tequila- 1 cup
Triple sec- 3 tbsp
Simple syrup- 4 tbsp (boil equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan till you get a syrup)
Guava juice- 1 cup (I used Rubecon brand)
Ice cubes- as required
Pickled jalapenos- 2 to 3 rounds
Lime wedge- for rimming the glass
Maldon sea salt- for glass (optional)

Get a plate with the sea salt ready.
Rub the lime wedge around the rim of the margarita glasses and dip them into the salt. Chuck them into the refrigerator while you get the drink ready.
In a cocktail shaker or blender combine the remaining ingredients.
Pour into the prepared glasses and serve cold.
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Notes: Like I mentioned I have pre made margarita and to 1 cup of this mix I add about 3/4 cups of guava juice, stir well and add to the glass with a couple of ice cubes. 
I don't like the crushed ice cubes, so I just add cubes directly to the glass and pour the marg over it.
Replace the guava juice with any fruit juice of choice.
Adjust sugar as per choice. I like mine a tad sweeter.
Its a bit spicy because of the jalapeƱos, avoid if not a fan

17 comments:

Akila said...

Lovely wraps n margarita
Event: Dish name starts with S till May 30th and a giveaway

easyfoodsmith said...

Sounds like a deliciously satisfying meal! The Guava Margarita sounds awesome.

Priya Suresh said...

Those baked chicken taquitos are mindblowing and tempting me a lot.. Beautiful drink there.

Unknown said...

This sounds new to me...looks very appetising too

SS said...

Planning to make it today since I think I have all ingredients:-)
Thanks
Sonia

Unknown said...

everything about this post is calling my name - i loved the idea of baked taquitos and guava margarita- yes please!

Merry Tummy said...

Nisha, I must say the pictures are so nice that I felt like eating it :P..After seeing the pics I want to turn into non vegetarian:)...Guava Margarita is like cherry on the cake-recipe pls.

Indu said...

Love those wraps. They look so appetizing!

Poornima Nair said...

Now this I would love, I hate all the mexican dishes with beans or rice in them, but this one with just the chicken filling is just the perfect thing! Love the use of the little buckets, I see them all the time in pretty colors, but I am clueless about using it, so I skip buying!

Anonymous said...

I am not a huge fan but Arvind loves Mexican food. This sounds really easy and baked so why not!

FLAVZCORNER said...

We buy these frozen taquitos and bake them, and they are absolutey yummy, but never tried making my own though. I should give your recipe a try since the fillings can be prepared a day ahead, it makes my life easier.

turmericnspice said...

That's something I can definitely feast over !! Awesome clicks

Unknown said...

i'm too big fan of mexican food! best thing is the chicken filling also baked and i can hit it at anytime, loving the colours in the roll, i wish to try the soonest!

Unknown said...

Hi these look scrumptious..will make them on the weekend. Ive also bookmarked your stuffed buns recipe to try but i had a small question....whenever in any recipe you give the oven temp is it for a fan assisted oven or normal one. Thanks.

My Kitchen Antics said...

@unknown..thanks for dropping by..
sorry im not clear in my recipes...the temperatures i mention are for fan assisted..reduce the temp by about 5degrees if normal one. I check most of the stuff that goes into the oven about half way through and reduce/increase temp accordingly..so please dont quote me on the oven temperatures :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for clarifying as even i have a fan assisted oven so can now try the recipes.
Nidhi

Unknown said...

Tried this yesterday for dinner. Was a great hit. Did not make the drink only the taquitos. Thanks for yet another great recipe.