By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 18, 2023 | Last Updated on November 6, 2023
Chilindrinas is a classic Mexican dish that is bursting with flavor. Preparing chilindrinas is easy and only requires a few simple steps. Plus, it can be served as a main dish or an appetizer.
The key to making the perfect chilindrinas is to use the freshest ingredients and to adjust the hot sauce according to your taste preference.
And don’t forget to finish it off with Mexican crema for extra creaminess and coolness! So, get your ingredients ready and learn how to make the best chilindrinas with this easy dish.
What is Chilindrinas?
Chilindrinas is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It consists of pickled pork skin (Cueritos Botaneros), duros pellets, cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, hot sauce, and Mexican crema.
Chilindrinas is a simple dish to make and it is perfect for parties or gatherings as it can be served as an appetizer or snack. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible and can be found at any local grocery store.
What does it taste like?
Chilindrinas is a flavorful dish that has the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The pickled pork skin gives it an earthy flavor while the Duros pellets provide a crunchy texture.
The vegetables add freshness and color to the dish, and the hot sauce adds a bit of heat. Lastly, the Mexican crema helps to cool down the heat and adds a creamy element to the dish.
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How did I first get introduced to the Chilindrinas?
I was first introduced to the chilindrinas when I visited my aunt’s house in Mexico City. She served it as an appetizer one night, and I was immediately taken aback by how delicious it tasted. The pickled pork skin gave it an earthy flavor while the Duros pellets added a nice crunchy texture.
The vegetables brought freshness and color to the dish, while the hot sauce added some extra heat. And the Mexican crema provided a cool creaminess that really balanced out all of the flavors. I was hooked!
Since then, I have tried to recreate her recipe at home as best as I can. It’s a great dish for parties or gatherings since it is quick and easy to make. Plus, all of the ingredients are easily accessible so anyone can try it at home!
I love making chilindrinas for my friends and family because I know they will always enjoy it. It’s a great way to share some Mexican culture with those around me. Plus, it’s always a hit no matter what occasion!
How to make Chilindrinas?
Making chilindrinas is a simple and straightforward process. All you need to do is gather the ingredients & follow the steps below:
Ingredients
- Pickled pork skin: This is the main ingredient in Chilindrinas and it is what gives it its unique flavor.
- Duro’s pellets: These are small, circular fried tortillas that add a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Cabbage: This adds a crunchy element as well as flavor and color.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes give the dish sweetness and acidity which helps to balance the flavors.
- Avocado: Avocado provides creaminess and a hint of nuttiness.
- Hot sauce: This is optional but it adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Mexican crema: This gives it a creamy texture and cools down the heat from the hot sauce.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the pork skin. Cut it into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2
To make the Duros pellets, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the Duros pellets and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, and pork skin. Pour in enough hot sauce to lightly coat the vegetables and mix everything together.
Step 4
To assemble the chilindrinas, spread out four Duros pellets on a plate or tray. Top each one with some of the vegetable mixture and drizzle with Mexican crema.
Step 5
Serve the chilindrinas.
Tips
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add more hot sauce to the vegetable mixture.
– To make it vegan-friendly, omit the pork skin and replace it with black beans or chickpeas.
– For an extra punch of flavor, add diced jalapenos to the vegetable mixture.
Chilindrinas Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 head of cabbage skillfully shredded into fine and delicate strands, adding a fresh and crunchy component that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/2 portion of duros pellets meticulously selected and fried to a crispy and puffed texture, providing a delightful crunch and a unique shape to the dish.
- Hot sauce of your choice with the same amount as before, adding a spicy and fiery kick to the dish, allowing you to adjust the heat level according to your preference.
- 1 medium tomato thoughtfully cut into small, succulent cubes, releasing its juicy and vibrant flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- 1/2 ripe avocado carefully sliced into creamy and buttery segments, offering a smooth and velvety texture that beautifully contrasts with the other ingredients.
- Mexican crema with the same amount as before, skillfully drizzled over the dish, creating a rich and decadent sauce that adds a velvety and creamy texture to the mixture.
- 1/2 portion of pickled pork skin Cueritos Botaneros, carefully prepared and brined to perfection, offering a tangy and savory element to the dish.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pork skin. Cut it into small pieces and set aside.
- To make the Duros pellets, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the Duros pellets and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, and pork skin. Pour in enough hot sauce to lightly coat the vegetables and mix everything together.
- To assemble the chilindrinas, spread out four Duros pellets on a plate or tray. Top each one with some of the vegetable mixture and drizzle with Mexican crema.
- Serve the chilindrinas.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 186 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g;
- Protein: 11 g;
- Fat: 8 g.
- Sodium: 674 mg.
- Cholesterol: 8 mg.
What to serve with Chilindrinas?
Chilindrinas can be served as an appetizer or snack, but it can also be a great side dish for any main course. Here are some ideas to serve with chilindrinas:
-Tacos de Asado: Grilled steak tacos with onions and cilantro.
-Enchiladas Verdes: Green enchiladas filled with cheese and topped with salsa verde.
-Tostadas de Pollo: Crispy tostadas topped with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and crema.
-Frijoles Refritos: Refried beans served with a side of guacamole.
How to store leftover Chilindrinas?
Leftover chilindrinas can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To prevent the Duros pellets from becoming soggy, it is best to store them separately from the vegetables. For optimal freshness, make sure that all of the ingredients are completely cooled before storing them.
When ready to eat, simply reheat the vegetables in a pan over medium heat until they are warmed through. Then, add the Duros pellets and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become crispy again.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat chilindrinas. However, they should make sure to use low-sodium hot sauce and forgo the Mexican crema if they are watching their weight or trying to avoid dairy.
Additionally, it is best to limit how much pork skin is consumed as it can be high in cholesterol. Pregnant women should always consult with their doctor before consuming any new dish.
FAQs
Are chilindrinas healthy?
Yes, chilindrinas can be a part of a healthy diet. As long as you use low-sodium ingredients and limit the amount of pork skin, this dish is packed with nutritious vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes as well as proteins like avocado and beans.
Can chilindrinas be made vegetarian?
Yes, chilindrinas can easily be adapted to a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the pork skin and replace it with black beans or chickpeas for extra protein. You could also add diced jalapenos for an extra punch of flavor.
What is Mexican crema?
Mexican crema is a type of sour cream that is slightly thinner and milder than its American counterpart. It is commonly used in Mexican cooking to add a creamy element to dishes like chilindrinas.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn about chilindrinas. This is a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family with its unique flavor and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make so anyone can try it at home!
I hope you found this help guide useful and you’re now ready to start making chilindrinas in your own kitchen. Please share this article with your friends and family who are interested in trying Mexican cuisine.
Sharing is Caring!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
