Chalupas
Growing up one of my favorite games to play was Lotería. Similar to bingo this game used picture cards instead of numbers. There is 54 character cards total in the game like:
El cazo (ladle)
El mundo (world)
El apache (apache)
El alacrán (scorpion)
El nopal (cactus)
My favorite card was La Chalupa (boat,canoe). A beautiful lady seated in a chalupa over bright blue water, her canoe filled with baskets of fruit, vegetables and flowers. I love to imagine her selling her goods to help provide for her family or maybe she was heading home after a shopping trip. Her hair neatly pulled back with a string of beads around her neck it is still my favorite card to this day.
La chalupa ~ Rema que rema Lupita, sentada en su chalupita.
On the weekends we used to play outside with papi as he grilled. He would toss a handful of beans on the table as we all strategically picked our game card. My older sister loyally played the same card game after game, my brother would switch it up after a few games and my little sister would switch out after each game.
I was never lucky in Lotería, even when papi called “black out,” and you had to fill your entire card. Now as a family when we play my girls’ take turns calling out the character cards, my little one thinks el borracho (drunk) looks funny and my older one loves la luna (moon)
I still enjoy gazing at la chalupa and remain unlucky. I guess some things never change.
A few days ago at breakfast my daughter asked if we could play Lotería in the evening. Of course we all agreed and I decided to surprise them with a tasty game time bite, chalupas. They were happily received.
Masa shaped into a little boats, lightly fried until crisp and stuffed with your favorite toppings.
- Refried beans
- Shredded fully cooked chicken
- Thinly sliced lettuce
- Crema
- Oil for frying
- 1 ¾ cups masa harina or Maseca
- 1 ½ cups hot water
- 1 tsp of salt
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In a bowl combine masa, hot water and salt.
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With hands combine until your masa holds together, add more water if needed.
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The masa will be sticky, but hold together.
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Cover with damp towel and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
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Divide masa into 12 portions.
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Roll out masa into oval shape to desired size.
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With fingers pinch edges to form a small raised border.
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Set aside and cover with damp towel and continue to shape remaining masa.
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Lightly fry chalupas until golden brown on each side.
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Top each chalupa with refried beans, chicken, lettuce and crema.
7 weeks of Lenten dishes!! Join in on the fun with a group of wonderful bloggers!
I’ve never heard of that game but it sounds fun. I love chalupas! These look deliicous
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites
delicious*
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites
I love your inspiration for this recipe! We play a lot of Loteria in our house, but I don’t know if I have a favorite card. I love them all!!! I am SO going to whip up some chalupas next time we play. 🙂
Leslie @ La Cocina de Leslie recently posted..Ensalada de Lomo de Cerdo {Pork & Veggie Salad}
I love chalupas but have never tried to make them on my own. I can’t wait to try! 🙂
love this but not sure I have ever had it before so I am intrigued and left wanting more!
Kitchen Belleicious recently posted..King Cake Cheesecake
i don’t think i’ve ever had a real chalupa! the ones i’ve eaten are always made with a tortilla as a base, and now i’m disappointed about that. 🙂
grace recently posted..downside up
Love this! I can’t decide which card is my favorite…depends on the day. I could really go for a chalupa right now, it looks yum!
Heather @girlichef recently posted..I’ll Drink to That: Strawberry-Infused Gin + Strawberry Ice Cubes
These look super simple and yummy – I love your stories!
Liz @ Virtually Homemade recently posted..Chicken Chili with Cilantro Crema
Now these are chalupas! I’ll never be satisfied with Taco Bell again.
yummychunklet recently posted..ffwD: Brown Sugar Squash, Brussels Sprouts & Apples En Papillote
Yummmmmmy!!! Wonderful recipe!
Natalia recently posted..Por amor a la Vida! #4LoveofLife