Chalupa facts for kids
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A plate of chalupas
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| Course | Lunch, dinner |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Mexico |
| Region or state | Hidalgo, Puebla, Guerrero, and Oaxaca |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Masa, cheese, lettuce, salsa |
A chalupa is a yummy and popular dish from south-central Mexico. It's a bit like a crispy, fried taco or a small, edible boat made from corn dough. People in states like Hidalgo, Puebla, Guerrero, and Oaxaca love to eat them.
Contents
What is a Chalupa?
Chalupas are made from a special corn dough called masa. First, a thin layer of masa is pressed around a small mold. This makes a little cup or boat shape. Then, this shape is deep-fried until it's crispy and golden.
What's Inside a Chalupa?
Once the corn cups are ready, they are filled with different tasty ingredients. Common fillings include shredded chicken or pork, chopped onion, and spicy chipotle pepper. They are also topped with red or green salsa.
Chalupas can sometimes look like tostadas. This is because both are made from fried corn dough. However, chalupas often have a unique boat-like shape.
Traditional Chalupas
In places like Cholula, Puebla, traditional chalupas are small and thick. They are shaped like little boats. These are usually topped simply with salsa, cheese, and shredded lettuce.
Other parts of Mexico have their own versions. Some add chorizo (a type of sausage), more pork, or shredded chicken. Refried beans are also a popular addition. Sometimes, the fried masa is round, like a tostada, but still has the classic chalupa toppings.
Chalupas in the United States
Chalupas are very popular in Mexico, and their fame has spread to the United States. Many Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S. serve their own versions.
Taco Bell's Chalupa
One well-known example is the chalupa from Taco Bell. This version is different from the traditional Mexican chalupa. Taco Bell's chalupa uses a thick, fried tortilla shell. It's filled with ingredients like chicken, steak, or ground beef. Other toppings include sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. This style is more similar to a type of taco made with frybread.
