| Prep Time ⇒ | 20 mins |
| Cook Time ⇒ | 10 mins |
| Addit Time ⇒ | 50 mins |
| Protein ⇒ | 2g |
| Fat ⇒ | 7g |
| Carbs ⇒ | 24g |
Mexican Tinga
Tinga is a delightful Mexican dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a spicy tomato and chipotle chile sauce, served on crispy tostada shells. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for entertaining a crowd!
What Is Tinga?
Tinga is a flavorful Mexican dish made from shredded chicken cooked in a rich tomato-adobo sauce, often served on crunchy tostadas for a delicious meal.
Tinga Ingredients
To prepare this homemade chicken tinga, gather the following ingredients:
- Onion and Oil: Start with a large diced onion sautéed in olive oil.
- Canned Goods: You will need one can of stewed tomatoes and one can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Chicken: Use your own cooked and shredded chicken or opt for leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Tostada Shells: Serve the savory chicken tinga on tostada shells.
- Sour Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
How to Make Chicken Tinga
Here’s a brief overview of the preparation steps for chicken tinga:
Step 1: Sauté the onion until softened.
Step 2: Purée the stewed tomatoes and chipotle peppers in a blender.
Step 3: Combine the puréed mixture with the sautéed onions, add the chicken, and let it simmer.
Step 4: Serve the chicken mixture atop tostadas, finishing with sour cream.
How to Store Tinga
Store any leftover chicken tinga in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can reheat it on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave.
Community Tips and Praise
“Amazing,” raves NenaSkyye. “I add extra chipotle in adobo sauce, and it turns out great. I also season my onions while they sauté.”
“I love it,” shares Robert Walsh. “It’s a bit spicy, which I enjoy. The kids love it too, and it’s quick to make with just a few ingredients.”
“This is wonderful with the perfect amount of heat,” says Kimberly K. “I use this tinga for lettuce wraps, topped with bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and chia seeds.”
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or to taste
- 2 pounds shredded cooked chicken meat
- 16 tostada shells
- ½ cup sour cream
Directions :
Step 1: Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the onions are cooking, purée the stewed tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce using a blender.
Step 3: Pour the puréed mixture over the onions in the saucepan, then add the shredded chicken and stir to combine. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve the chicken mixture heaped onto tostada shells and garnish with sour cream.
Editor’s Note :
Please be aware that ingredient amounts may differ if following a magazine version of this recipe.
Health Benefits of Ingredients in Mexican Tinga :
Mexican Tinga is a flavorful dish typically made with shredded meat simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, onions, and chipotle peppers. While this dish is undeniably delicious, it also boasts several health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Let’s delve into the nutritional advantages of the key components in Mexican Tinga, allowing you to savor both the taste and health perks of this traditional recipe.
Chicken or Pork
The primary protein source in Mexican Tinga is often chicken or pork, both of which are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall bodily health. Chicken, particularly skinless breast, is lower in fat and calories, making it a lean choice. Pork, while slightly higher in fat, offers important nutrients like thiamine and selenium. For more on the benefits of chicken, visit its Wikipedia page, and for pork, check out this link.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes form the base of the Tinga sauce, providing not only flavor but also numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, tomatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are particularly high in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes increases their lycopene content, making them even more beneficial. To learn more about tomatoes, check out their Wikipedia page.
Onions
Onions are another key ingredient in Mexican Tinga, adding sweetness and depth to the dish. They are low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B vitamins. Onions are also rich in antioxidants and contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating onions into your diet can support heart health and improve digestion. For more details, visit the Wikipedia entry on onions.
Chipotle Peppers
Chipotle peppers, which add a smoky flavor and heat to Tinga, are also packed with health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. The capsaicin in these peppers may boost metabolism and provide pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. To explore more about chipotle peppers, you can visit their Wikipedia page.
Garlic
Garlic is often included in Tinga recipes for its robust flavor and numerous health benefits. It has been shown to enhance immune function, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Garlic is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a powerful ingredient for overall health. To learn more about garlic, check out its Wikipedia entry.
Spices
Mexican Tinga typically features spices like cumin and oregano, which not only enhance the flavor but also offer health benefits. Cumin aids digestion and is high in iron, while oregano is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. These spices contribute to the dish’s depth of flavor and its nutritional profile. For more information on these spices, visit the Wikipedia page on cumin and this link on oregano.
Conclusion
Mexican Tinga is not just a savory delight; it’s also a dish packed with nutritious ingredients that can enhance your health. By embracing the benefits of chicken or pork, tomatoes, onions, chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that supports your well-being. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, allowing you to indulge without compromising on nutrition. For more tasty recipes to complement your culinary journey, visit hearty-recipes.com and celebrate the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine!