Little things . . .: Mexican Night: Chicken Chimichangas!

Sometimes if you want to do something right you've got to do it yourself! Unfortunately with the recent close of Mundo Mexicano for renovations we are left with slim pickings for a mexican restaurant in the vicinity. There is Flying Burrito Brothers, but while their cocktails are tasty I would recommend that you steer clear if you are looking for a really authentic mexican meal.

So Saturday night we decided to do a little experimentation and whip up a few chicken chimichangas in the comfort of our own home. These are basically fried burritos, not the healthiest option, but occasional indulgence never hurts!

Chicken Chimichangas (5 servings)

Ingredients:

1 diced onion

2 finely chopped chilli peppers

Half cup chopped jalapenos

1t chilli powder

1t minced garlic

2 chicken breasts, oven cooked and shredded
salt and pepper

1 cup cooked rice

Coriander

Extra large tortillas

Oil

1 cup Grated cheese

Wooden toothpicks

In a pan saute onions until soft. Add garlic, spices and jalapenos (the ratios above made for quite a spicy mix, if you prefer your mexican mild just reduce quantities or leave out completely, although this is not recommended!). Add chicken and rice and season with salt and pepper.

Preheat oil for shallow frying (using an electric fry pan is always a good option)

Now comes the assembly - warm tortillas in microwave. Lay flat on counter and spoon about half a cup of the chicken mix into the middle. Add cheese and torn coriander.

Fold in from four sides and secure with toothpick.

Fry on each side until nicely browned. If you don't have a large pan and need to fry these one by one you could also pop in an oven preheated to 180 degrees, just to be sure everything is at good temperature for serving. You will come out with a lovely crispy tortilla outer, almost tasting like pastry!