Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Mexico with the timeless and hearty dish known as Chilindrinas. Bursting with an array of robust flavors, this traditional Mexican delight invites you to experience the essence of authentic home cooking.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or an adventurous newcomer to Mexican cuisine, Chilindrinas beckons you to explore its rich tapestry of tastes.
From the subtle heat of chiles to the savory depth of garlic and onions, each bite is a flavorful dance that pays homage to the diverse and vibrant flavors found in Mexican kitchens.
What is Chilindrinas?
Chilindrinas is a cherished and traditional Mexican culinary delight known for its rich blend of flavors and heartiness. This savory dish is a culinary symphony of various ingredients, creating a tapestry of taste that resonates with Mexican gastronomic traditions.
Typically enjoyed alongside warm tortillas, rice, or beans, Chilindrinas showcase a medley of chiles, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and an array of spices.
The preparation involves skillfully combining these elements in a large skillet, although the versatility of Chilindrinas extends to slow cookers or Instant Pots, making it adaptable to various cooking preferences.
What does it taste like?
Chilindrinas have a rich, savory flavor that is sure to please. This robust and flavorful dish is a celebration of textures and tastes.
The chiles impart a subtle heat, while the onions and garlic contribute layers of savory depth. The tomatoes add a hint of sweetness, harmonizing with the spices to create a well-balanced flavor profile.
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Ingredients
Crunchy Fried Pork Rinds:
Crunchy Fried Pork Rinds, the savory crunch, serve as the base and key element of Chilindrinas. They provide a crispy and flavorful texture, offering a satisfying crunch to contrast with the other ingredients.
Mexican Crema:
Mexican Crema, the velvety drizzle, adds a rich and creamy component to the dish. It contributes a smooth texture and a touch of tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing a cooling contrast to the spicy elements.
Valentina Hot Sauce:
Valentina Hot Sauce, for the fiery kick, brings heat and spice to the Chilindrinas. It adds a bold and zesty flavor, contributing to the overall complexity of the dish and providing a spicy element that complements the crunchy pork rinds.
Cabbages :
Shredded Cabbages, for the crisp texture, introduce a fresh and crisp element to the dish. They provide a crunchy texture that complements the pork rinds and adds a light, refreshing quality to each bite.
Avocados:
Avocados, the creamy green goodness, bring a creamy and buttery texture to Chilindrinas. They offer a cooling and rich contrast to the crunchy pork rinds, adding a layer of indulgence and freshness.
Tomatoes:
Medium-sized tomatoes, the juicy jewels, contribute vibrant flavor and juicy bites to the dish. The tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the pork rinds and enhancing the overall taste.
Duros Pellets:
Duros Pellets, the traditional Mexican delight, is a classic element in Chilindrinas. These wheat-based snacks puff up when fried, providing an additional crunchy texture and a delightful visual appeal to the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Duros Pellets
If your Duros Pellets are not pre-fried, the first step is to heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the Duros Pellets until they puff up and become crispy. This process gives them a light and airy texture. Once fried, set them aside to be used later in assembling the Chilindrinas.
Step 2: Shred the Cabbages
Take fresh cabbages and finely shred them. This can be achieved using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. The goal is to create even and thin shreds, providing a consistent texture to the base of the Chilindrinas.
Step 3: Slice Avocados
Slice ripe avocados into thin pieces. To prevent browning, consider sprinkling a bit of lime juice on the avocado slices. The creamy and buttery texture of avocados will add richness to the dish.
Step 4: Cube the Tomatoes
Take fresh tomatoes and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, you can remove the seeds to reduce the watery content, ensuring a more concentrated flavor in the Chilindrinas.
Step 5: Prepare the Pork Rinds
Open bags of crunchy fried pork rinds. Depending on your preference, you can choose regular fried pork rinds or pickled pork rinds, which add a tangy flavor to the dish. Select the variety that suits your taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Chilindrinas
In a large serving bowl, begin assembling the Chilindrinas. Start with a layer of finely shredded cabbage, providing a crunchy and refreshing base for the dish.
Step 7: Add Avocados and Tomatoes
Place the thin slices of avocado and cubed tomatoes on top of the shredded cabbage. Distribute them evenly to create a visually appealing and colorful presentation. Combining avocado and tomatoes adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish.
Step 8: Layer with Pork Rinds
Add the crunchy fried pork rinds on top of the vegetables. Ensure an even distribution to provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. The pork rinds contribute a savory and crispy texture to the Chilindrinas.
Step 9: Drizzle with Mexican Crema
Generously drizzle Mexican crema over the assembled ingredients. The crema adds a velvety texture and a touch of richness to the dish, tying all the components together.
Step 10: Hot Sauce for Kick
Finish the dish by drizzling Valentina Hot Sauce or your preferred hot sauce over the Chilindrinas. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. The hot sauce adds a kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 11: Top with Duros Pellets
Garnish the Chilindrinas with the prepared Duros Pellets. These puffed delights add a traditional Mexican element to the dish, contributing both texture and flavor.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Gently toss the Chilindrinas to ensure all the flavors are well combined, and serve immediately. Enjoy this delightful Mexican snack that offers a perfect balance of crunchiness, creaminess, and spiciness, making it a flavorful treat for any occasion.
Tips
• For a spicier dish, you can add more jalapeno or poblano peppers.
• You can use cooked, canned black beans or cooked, frozen black beans in this recipe.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro instead.
• To make this recipe vegan, you can use vegan cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Chilindrinas contains approximately 210 calories, 8 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein.
What to serve with Chilindrinas?
• Warm tortillas
• Refried beans
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
How to store leftover Chilindrinas?
Leftover Chilindrinas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Equipment
- knife
- chopping board
- Bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 Bags of Crunchy Fried Pork Rinds Pickled or Regular, the savory crunch
- Mexican Crema the velvety drizzle
- Valentina Hot Sauce or Any Other Hot Sauce of Your Choice, for the fiery kick
- 2 Cabbages Shredded, for the crisp texture
- 2 Avocados Sliced, the creamy green goodness
- 4 Medium-Sized Tomatoes Cubed, the juicy jewels
- Duros Pellets the traditional Mexican delight
Instructions
- If the Duros Pellets are not already fried, heat the oil in a pan and fry them until they puff up and become crispy. Set aside.
- Shred the cabbages finely. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even and thin shreds.
- Slice the avocados into thin slices. You can sprinkle a bit of lime juice on the avocados to prevent browning.
- Cube the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can remove the seeds for a less watery texture.
- Open the bags of crunchy fried pork rinds. If using pickled pork rinds, they add a tangy flavor. Choose the variety that suits your taste.
- In a large serving bowl, start assembling the Chilindrinas. Begin with a layer of shredded cabbage as the base.
- Place slices of avocado and cubed tomatoes on top of the shredded cabbage. Distribute them evenly for a colorful presentation.
- Add the crunchy fried pork rinds on top of the vegetables. Ensure an even distribution for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Drizzle Mexican crema generously over the Chilindrinas. The crema adds a velvety texture and a touch of richness.
- Finish by drizzling Valentina Hot Sauce or your preferred hot sauce over the Chilindrinas. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Garnish the Chilindrinas with Duros Pellets. These puffed delights add a traditional Mexican element to the dish.
- Toss the Chilindrinas gently to combine the flavors, and serve immediately. Enjoy this crunchy, creamy, and spicy Mexican snack!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, you can add more jalapeno or poblano peppers.
- You can use cooked, canned black beans or cooked, frozen black beans in this recipe.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro instead.
- To make this recipe vegan, you can use vegan cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Chilindrinas have to be served with tortillas?
A1. No, Chilindrinas does not have to be served with tortillas. It can be served with any type of side dish, such as rice, beans, or a salad.
Q2. How spicy is Chilindrinas?
A2. Chilindrinas is mildly spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeno and poblano peppers.
Q3. Can Chilindrinas be made in a slow cooker?
A3. Yes, Chilindrinas can be made in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet, then add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q4. What type of cheese can I use in Chilindrinas?
A4. You can use any cheese you like in Chilindrinas, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack.
Q5. Can I freeze Chilindrinas?
A5. Yes, you can freeze Chilindrinas. Allow the Chilindrinas to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q6. Can I make Chilindrinas with canned beans?
A6. Yes, you can use canned beans in this recipe. Simply drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the skillet.
Q7. Can I make Chilindrinas vegan?
A7. Yes, you can make Chilindrinas vegan. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and vegan cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Conclusion
Chilindrinas is a traditional Mexican dish that is sure to please the whole family. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including chiles, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
This hearty, flavorful dish is typically served with warm tortillas, rice, and/or beans. Chilindrinas can be served as a main dish or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
With a few simple substitutions, this recipe can also be made vegan. With its savory flavor and nutritious ingredients, Chilindrinas is a great way to spice up any meal!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more