Viva Mexico! Mexican Flautas

One of my favorite holidays growing up in America is Cinco de Mayo. It is one of America's best loved holidays, a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride, and also commemorates the victory of a greatly outnumbered Mexican army fought against well armed French soldiers and the end of European invasion in the Latin Americas. In the United Kingdom it is not celebrated, but why not give it a go? Serve up Chilled Margaritas on the rocks, chips and salsa and some great Mexican dishes like these Mexican flautas. Flour tortillas are easily accessible in the United Kingdom and this dish is very doable and delicious.

Mexican Flautas

Ingredients

1. 18 Flour tortillas
2. 1/2 Kilogram Beef Brisket, cooked and shredded apart (I love to use the slow cooker and reserve any juices towards the beef stock)
3. 10 Dried Pasilla chilies, deseeded and soaked until soft.  If you cannot locate Pasilla chilies use 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes for each Pasilla chili, although you will not get the earthy, raisin like sweetness of a Pasilla.  Make sure you taste as you go along with the red pepper flakes.)
4. 2 Cloves of garlic
5. 1 1/2 cups beef stock (Great if you can use the juices from the Brisket as well)
6. Vegetable oil, for frying
7. 1 Cup of sour cream
8. 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese, but of course these cheeses generally have to be ordered online in the UK.  Cotija is also known as the Mexican Parmesan.  Replace Cotija with Parmesan if you don't have time to order. 
9. 1 Onion, minced

Cooking Method

In a blender or food processor, liquefy the chilies, garlic and beef stock.  Mix 1/3 of the sauce with the shredded beef and place some into each flour tortilla.  Roll the flour tortillas containing the mixture tightly and secure with a wooden cocktail stick.  Fry in hot oil until golden brown.  Serve with the remaining sauce poured over them, then layer the sour cream, Parmesan and minced onion on top. Also, serve with Mexican rice, refried pinto beans and guacamole for dipping if you wish.

Serves 6  
3 per serving