Appetizers » Frito Pie

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Frito Pie
Frito Pie <p> There is question whether the Frito Pie &mdash; a popular snack at sporting events or carnivals &mdash; originated in Texas, or New Mexico. <a href="http://how2heroes.com/videos/profiles/about-amanda-escamilla">Amanda Escamilla</a> (a native Texan), is diplomatic about the debate, but we know where she stands. Regardless, Frito Pie is a snack in which you have not lived until you&#39;ve tried. A small bag of Fritos&reg; is cut open on the side (these steps are very specific, so watch Amanda&#39;s technique carefully) and mounded with meaty, flavorful chili, cheese and onion. Not much more to be said.</p>

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chili, snack, street food, tex-mex, texas

There is question whether the Frito Pie — a popular snack at sporting events or carnivals — originated in Texas, or New Mexico. Amanda Escamilla (a native Texan), is diplomatic about the debate, but we know where she stands. Regardless, Frito Pie is a snack in which you have not lived until you've tried. A small bag of Fritos® is cut open on the side (these steps are very specific, so watch Amanda's technique carefully) and mounded with meaty, flavorful chili, cheese and onion. Not much more to be said.

Makes up to 16 Frito Pies

Ingredients

For Frijoles a la Chara (optional)

  • 4-5 cups water
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed
  • salt
  • ½ onion, diced
  • dried oregano
  • black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp red chili powder
  • ½ cup diced salt pork
  • 2-3 sprigs cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, quartered

For Chili

  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean/15% fat suggested)
  • salt & pepper
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2-3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, minced
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 1 plum tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp New Mexican chili powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 cups cooked beans (Amanda's Frijoles a la Chara suggested, see below)

For Pies

  • individual sized bags of Fritos®
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • diced onion

Equipment

  • strainer
  • scissors
  • plastic spoons & napkins

How-to

Make Frijoles a la Chara (optional step)

  1. Bring 4-5 cups water to boil in a medium saucepan
  2. Add a pinch of salt, along with all other ingredients (add dried oregano and pepper according to taste)
  3. reduce heat & simmer over medium-low for 1½ - 2 hours, or until beans are soft, maintaining ¼" of liquid over the beans while cooking (if low, add more water)
  4. Remove from heat & set aside

Cook Chili

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high
  2. Add ground beef & brown until it is almost cooked through, about 10 minutes
  3. Strain the beef to drain most of the grease (but reserve a little)
  4. Return beef to pot & add salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, bell pepper, onion, plum tomatoes, & jalapeño. Cook until vegetables are tender, and onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes
  5. Add remaining spices, canned tomatoes & beans (cooked beans of choice, or Frijoles a la Chara - recipe above)
  6. Cover & simmer on low heat, 30-60 minutes

Assemble Pies

  1. Cut the side of an individual sized bag of Fritos®
  2. Ladle in a couple scoops of chili
  3. Stop with shredded cheese & diced onions
  4. Serve with a spoon & napkins and enjoy immediately!

 

Comments (2)

  • Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 8:10 am by BostonBen:
    Comfort food at its best!
  • Posted Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 12:02 am by danny hernandez:
    good chile cant waite till sunday

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