4 Berry Chimichangas Recipes

CHIMICHANGA

Steps:

• Rub the roast with salt and pepper.
• Warm 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides. Reduce the heat to low, scatter half of the onion and half of the garlic over and around the meat. Pour the beef stock over it. Cover and simmer for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the roast is very tender. Let the meat sit in the cooking liquid until cool enough to handle. Drain the meat, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the meat into bite-size pieces with your fingers or in several small batches in a food processor.
• Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute the remaining onion and garlic in the fat until the onion softens. Add the meat and saute until well-browned, about 10 minutes. Scrape the meat up from the bottom every few minutes, getting it crusty in some spots. Pour the reserved cooking liquid into the pan and add the tomatoes and chiles. Cook for about 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. The meat should remain moist but not juicy. Adjust the seasoning if you wish. (The meat can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated, covered, for up to several days. Warm the meat before proceeding.)
• You'll need about 5 cups of the shredded meat mixture for the chimichangas. Spoon it evenly over the tortillas. Roll up each tortilla, tucking in the ends to make a secure fat tube that resembles an overgrown Chinese egg roll. Secure the rolls with toothpicks.
• Shortly before you plan to eat the chimichangas, warm at least 4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pan to 375 degrees F. Fry the chimichangas one or two at a time until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Turn the chimis to fry them evenly. Drain them and arrange on serving plates. Top with cheese, sour cream, tomato, scallions and salsa. Serve immediately.

ALMOST-FAMOUS CHIMICHANGAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Melt the butter with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet; transfer to a bowl. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon salt; toast 30 seconds. Add the tomato and cilantro and cook until slightly dry, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken and sour cream and warm through. Remove from the heat.
• Brush a rimmed baking sheet with some of the butter-oil mixture. Spread 2 tablespoons refried beans down the center of each tortilla, leaving a 2-inch border on both ends. Top with 1 cup chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Fold in the ends and roll up.
• Put the chimichangas seam-side down on the baking sheet; brush with the butter-oil mixture. Bake 8 to 10 minutes per side, brushing again after you flip. Top with the sauce, more cheese, lettuce and tomato. Serve with rice and the remaining beans.
• Saute onions and garlic cloves in a skillet with vegetable oil. Add a pinch each of chili powder, cumin, sugar and salt; cook 30 seconds. Stir in green chiles; cook 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and simmer until thickened, then puree. Stir in cilantro.

CARNE ASADA CHIMICHANGAS

Steps:

• For the marinade: Whisk together the orange juice, oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, garlic, jalapenos, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
• For the chimichangas: Pour the marinade over the steak in a shallow baking dish and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking.
• When the steak is almost ready, heat 1 of the tablespoons oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, green and red peppers and a pinch of salt and cook until tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Transfer the steak from the marinade to a plate. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the remaining tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the steak and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Remove from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steak against the grain or dice it into small pieces, if you prefer.
• For the assembly: Place a tortilla on a work surface. Place a few slices of steak in the center, followed by 1/2 cup of the onions and peppers. Fold up the sides of the tortilla and then roll up from the bottom to form a tight burrito. Skewer the edges with toothpicks to hold them together. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, steak, and onions and peppers.
• Add enough oil to a deep, heavy skillet to come about 1 inch up the side and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the burritos in 2 batches. Cook on both sides until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the chimichangas to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain.
• Remove the toothpicks from the chimichangas, sprinkle with the cilantro and serve with Queso Cheese Sauce.
• Place the cheese, milk, chilies, butter and House Seasoning in a saucepan. Heat, stirring often, over medium heat until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, stir in more milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Season with salt, if needed.
• Stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

CHIMICHANGAS

Steps:

• In a skillet, melt bacon grease over medium heat. Saute meat, onion, garlic, tomatoes, chilies and potatoes until the onion softens. Add salt, oregano, chili powder and cilantro; simmer 2-3 minutes. Place a scant 1/2 cup meat filling on each tortilla. Fold, envelope-style, like a burrito. Fry, seam side down, in 1/2 in. of hot oil. (360°-375°) until crispy and brown. Turn and brown other side. Drain briefly on a paper towel. Top as desired; serve immediately.