Welcome to the world of deliciousness! In this article, we’re diving into the delicious Zantigo chilito, a classic Mexican-American dish that once made waves on the Zantigo fast-food chain menus. While Zantigo is no more, we’ve got a mind-blowing recipe to share with you!
What truly makes the Zantigo chilito a must-try dish is the way it all comes together in a warm and soft tortilla. The tortilla serves as the perfect vessel for the filling, allowing you to savor every bite without any mess or fuss. It’s easy to hold and eat on the go, making it the perfect meal for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.
Zantigo may be a thing of the past, but you can recreate the magic at home with our very own Zantigo chilito recipe.
The Roots Of Zantigo Chilito
To truly appreciate the Zantigo chilito, let’s explore its roots. Originating from the heart of Mexican cuisine, this dish embodies a harmonious blend of spicy and aromatic elements. Imagine succulent seasoned beef nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with vibrant vegetables and zesty sauces – a culinary masterpiece that demands attention.
The traditional twist
Chilito is a traditional Mexican dish typically featuring beef or pork simmered in a spicy, red chili sauce. The zantigo chilito recipe takes things up a notch by incorporating chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, infusing it with a fresh and lively flavor. Of course, no chilito would be complete without a generous helping of melted cheese.
How to make Zantigo Chilito
Ingredients:
- ¼ chopped onion
- 4 oz tomato sauce
- 3.75 oz kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- ¼ cup frozen corn
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder
- ¼ pound ground beef
- ½ tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 oz Monterey Jack shredded cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 small tortillas
- 7 oz diced tomatoes
- 3.5 oz refried beans
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- In a spacious skillet cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s thoroughly cooked. Remove any excess fat.
- Now add onions and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onions turn soft.
- Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, corn, refried beans, and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- While it simmers, gently warm tortillas in the microwave or oven until they become soft.
- On each tortilla, spoon the savory beef and chilli mixture, and generously sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up each tortilla.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Zantigo Chilito with four tortillas!
Tips
- Personalize your Chilitos with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for an authentic and flavourful Zantigo Chilito experience.
- For extra flavour and nutritional value add veggies like diced bell peppers or jalapeños.
- While the classic Zantigo Chilito features ground beef and chili sauce, don’t hesitate to try alternative fillings like shredded chicken, black beans, or rice for a unique twist.
- Adjust the chili powder cautiously according to your spice tolerance, add a pinch at a time to find your perfect balance.
- Double the recipe and freeze in portions for convenient and satisfying meals on busy days.
- Use ground beef with an 80% lean and 20% fat ratio. This balance ensures a flavorful and juicy Chilito.
- Add crushed tortilla chips, diced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for an extra flair.
- Allow the dish to simmer for the full 20 minutes. This extended simmering time brings out the rich fusion of flavors.
Ingredients Substitutes
- Experiment with different proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options to style the dish to your preferences.
- Substitute cheddar if Monterey Jack cheese is not on hand.
- Swap red onions for a milder flavor or green onions to add a touch of freshness.
- Try crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture or cherry tomatoes for a hint of sweetness.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Swap out lettuce with shredded cabbage or spinach for a fresh alternative.
- Use various beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or your favorite type for a unique bean profile.
- Use garlic powder as a substitute for minced garlic.
- Consider chipotle powder for a smoky kick flavor instead of chili powder.
- Choose ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist or explore plant-based alternatives for a unique protein profile.
- Feel free to mix and match these ingredient substitutes to create your personalized Zantigo Chilito, according to your taste preferences and dietary choices.
Serve the Zantigo Chilito in various delightful ways
- Serve the Chilito with a side of refried beans or black beans, a classic Mexican accompaniment.
- Pair the Chilito with a side of rice, perfectly balancing the spiciness of the chili sauce.
- Consider presenting the Chilito as part of a combo meal featuring other Mexican delights like tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
- Present the Chilito on its own, covered with additional toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or cilantro for a satisfying solo experience.
- Serve the Chilito with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for uplifting your taste.
- Feel free to explore these serving suggestions, enhancing the Zantigo Chilito experience to suit your taste and preferences.
Nutritional Facts for One Serving of Chilito
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 5-8g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Sodium: 600-700mg
FAQs
Can a slow cooker be used for cooking it?
Absolutely! This recipe is adaptable for a slow cooker, allowing you a convenient and hands-off cooking approach.
What other things rather than chili I can use for it?
Instead of chili you can use sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and green onions for added flavor and texture.
Can I store it?
Yes, you can store it for up to 3 months by freezing it. Ensure proper reheating when you decide to use the frozen Chilito.
Is it healthy enough?
Yes, it is healthy as we have also provided you with the healthier version in the ingredient substitutes section.
