After visiting El Paso this summer, and eating the best tasting Mexican foods ever, I began wondering if it was possible to make my own authentic tasting foods.
First on my mind was homemade Chalupa shells. I simply cooked corn tortillas in hot oil, turning often, until crisp;
And drained on a paper towel. It was very easy.
Next on my mind was taco shells. I placed a corn tortilla in the hot oil and turned it over before it started getting crisp. While still soft I folded the corn tortilla in half, using tongs, and held it in place trying to form a space in the middle for filling with meat. Once one side was crisp I turned the shell over to let the other side crisp up too.
Making the taco shells was easier than I expected and it didn't take very long; hot oil cooks very quickly.
Once all my shells were ready it was time to make chalupas. I placed beans on the shell and seasoned taco meat; this was then topped with cheese and placed in the toaster oven until the cheese melted.
My taco shells were then filled with seasoned taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.
Both tasted so authentic and every bit as good as the tacos and chalupas we had in El Paso!
As I end here is a tip I learned years ago. Add enchilada sauce to your refried beans; it adds flavor as well as moisture. You can use store sauce or homemade sauce; but of course homemade sauce is the best.
