Chimichanga, also known as chivichanga or chimmy chonga is a deep-fried burrito that is popular in Southwestern U.S. cuisine, Tex-Mex cuisine, and the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Sonora. The dish is typically prepared by filling a flour tortilla with a wide range of ingredients, most commonly rice, cheese, machaca, carne adobada, or shredded chicken, and folding it into a rectangular package. It is then deep-fried and can be accompanied with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and/or cheese.
These sweet and crispy chimichangas are great for breakfast.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CHIMICHANGAS
yield: 6 SERVINGS
prep time: 25 MIN
cook time: 5 MIN
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon plus 1/4 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 6 (8-inch) soft flour tortillas
- 1 3/4 cups sliced strawberries, divided
- 1 Tablespoon Simply Organic Cinnamon
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Equipment: toothpicks; deep-fry thermometer
DIRECTIONS:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese with the sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract and lemon zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in 3/4 cup of the sliced strawberries.
Divide the mixture evenly between the tortillas, slathering each portion in the lower third of each tortilla. Next, fold the two sides of each tortilla toward the center and then roll the tortilla up like a burrito and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set it aside. Line a large plate with paper towels.
Add 3 inches of oil to a large, deep saucepan, leaving a minimum of 2 inches from the top of the oil to the top of the saucepan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360ºF on a deep-fry thermometer.
Working in batches, fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes, flipping them as needed. Transfer the chimichangas to the paper towel-lined plate to drain for 1 minute, and then roll them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Repeat the frying and rolling process with the remaining chimichangas, returning the oil to 360ºF between batches.
Remove all toothpicks from the chimichangas and transfer them to serving plates. Top each with a portion of the remaining 1 cup of sliced strawberries and serve immediately.
