Ingredients
Chalupa Shells
- 3 cups All-purpose flour (Maida)
- 1.5 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably full fat)
- Oil for frying
Filling and Toppings
- 2 cups black beans
- 2 cups lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup queso sauce
- 3/4 cup cheese (pepper jack cheese recommended, or any cheese of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients well. Gradually add the milk and knead the mixture into a soft dough. Once formed, cover the dough and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Divide and Roll: After resting, divide the dough into 15 equal portions. Take one dough ball and roll it out into a 5-inch diameter circle. Prick the rolled dough a few times evenly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot and ready for frying.
- Fry the Chalupa Shells: Gently slide the rolled dough circle into the hot oil. It should immediately float and start to puff. Fry for about 30 seconds on one side, then using tongs, flip it over and fold it in half like a taco shell. Hold the shell in this shape and fry for another 30 seconds. Roll the shell to ensure it cooks evenly all around. The entire frying process should take about 2 minutes per shell. Remove and drain on paper towels. The shell should maintain its folded taco shape when done.
- Repeat Frying: Repeat the frying process for the remaining dough balls until all shells are cooked.
- Assemble Chalupas: Once the shells have cooled slightly and drained, fill each shell with black beans, sour cream, queso sauce, chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and grated cheese.
- Serve: Serve the assembled chalupas immediately with your favorite hot sauce for an added kick of flavor.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk for a richer dough texture.
- Make sure the oil temperature is medium to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Pricking the dough prevents large air bubbles from forming while frying.
- You can substitute cheese with any cheese of your preference, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Adjust salt quantity as per taste preference.
- Leftover shells can be stored at room temperature and gently reheated in a skillet before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
