It’s a question that has been asked for years: which is more authentic, the Chimichanga or the Burrito? Well, we’re here to answer this age-old question. The Chimichanga originated in Tucson, Arizona, and was traditionally made with a deep-fried Burrito wrapped in a flour tortilla and then profoundly fried again.
This signature dish of Mexican cuisine became popularized by its inclusion on Tex-Mex menus across America. However, it wasn’t until now that people have begun to argue about which one is more “authentic.”
We’re here to set the record straight by giving you a rundown on what each dish entails, their origins, and how they are prepared. We’ll also give you some insight into when these dishes became popularized.
What is Chimichanga and its origin?
Chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that originated in the United States. The word “chimichanga” comes from the Spanish language and means “deep-fried burrito”. It’s also spelled chimi chongas or chimichanga. It is believed that this dish was created by accident when a deep-fried burrito fell into some hot oil and became crispy on one side while remaining soft on the inside. This new creation quickly became popular among locals who would buy them from street vendors for lunchtime meals.
What is Burrito and its origin?
The word “burrito” is a Spanish word meaning “little donkey.” It was first used to describe a type of food in the Mexican state of Sonora. A burrito consists of a flour tortilla wrapped or folded around a filling, usually some meat. The origins are unclear, but it’s believed that the dish originated with indigenous people living in northern Mexico before European colonization. Some scholars believe that it was introduced by Lebanese immigrants who settled in Northern Mexico during the late 19th century.
However, there is no consensus among scholars about where precisely this dish came from because there are many different theories on its origin. There is also debate over whether or not burritos should be classified as sandwiches since they share many similarities with them, like being made up primarily out of bread-like substances and having fillings inside them.
Ingredients
Chimichanga
A chimichanga can be filled with many ingredients, but it is often filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato salsa, and sour cream. They are usually served hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Burrito
Burritos contain different types of meat like chicken or beef and vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Preparation
Chimichanga
Chimichangas are easy to make at home. You can either fry them on your stovetop or bake them in the oven. They’re also great party food because they can be made ahead of time and heated up when needed! It can be made with any meat, beans, cheese and vegetables. The ingredients are then wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep-fried until crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It is flattened into an oval shape. They’re usually served with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Burrito
First, find a tortilla that fits your taste and preference. You can use flour or corn tortillas. Then, add the ingredients of your choice – rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa are all popular choices for a burrito filling. Finally, wrap it up with the two sides of the tortilla together in an “X” shape, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Chimichanga an authentic Mexican food?
Chimichangas are not traditional Mexican cuisine. They were invented in the United States by Tex-Mex restaurateur El Chico, in Tucson, Arizona. The dish is made with a deep-fried Burrito cut open and filled with cheese or meat, then deep fried again before serving.
Q2.What must you do to a burrito to make it into a Chimichanga?
To turn your Burrito into a chimichanga, first, you need to fry the tortilla in the oil. This will give it that crispy texture and flavor.
Bottom Line
The head-to-head comparison between both Chimichanga and Burrito will help you decide which one to choose. A burrito is wrapped in a large, thin flour tortilla. It can be filled with meat, beans, rice, or vegetables. Whereas, Chimichanga is deep-fried and typically has cheese inside of it. The two dishes are very similar, but there are some differences that you should know about before deciding which one to order next time you’re at your favorite Mexican restaurant!
