Flautas With Shredded Chicken

1. 1

   In a frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the tablespoon oil. Add the onion, chiles, and garlic and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in teh tomato and continue to cook, stirry constantly, until the mixture thickens and the color changes, about 3 minutes. Fold in the chicken, season to taste with sea salt, and heat thoroughly. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. 2

   Place a heavy frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Lay a tortilla on the pan a few seconds until hot. Transfer it to a plate and arrange several tablespoons of the chicken filling across the lower third of the tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla up into a tube to make a flauta, secure with a toothpick and set aside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. (I usually fry them as I make them to cut down on prep time and keep the tortillas from cracking).

3. 3

   In a bowl, toss the lettuce with the lime juice. Spread it out on a serving plate or on individual plates, dividing it evenly.

4. 4

   Pour oil to a depth of at least 3/4 inch into a deep heavy frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and registers 350 on a deep-frying thermometer. Add the flautas, a few at a time, and fry until crisp and pale gold on all sides, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer them to paper towels to drain. Keep warm in a low oven while frying the rest.

5. 5

   Place al lthe flautas on the lettuce on the platter, or arrange 2 or 3 flautas on each plate. Spoon 1/2 cup salsa across the flautas in a ribbon, then top with the crema and the radishes. Serve at once, accompanied with more salsa, crema, and guacamole if desired.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.