Mexican Chalupas Recipe

Mexican Chalupas feature a crispy corn tortilla base topped with plant-based ingredients like fresh salsa, black beans, and seasoned vegetables. Originating from Puebla, these vibrant snacks offer bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for any occasion. Easy to customize and loaded with wholesome toppings, vegan chalupas are a great way to enjoy Mexican street food in a plant-based way.

What is the origin of Mexican Chalupas?

Mexican chalupas originate from the region of Puebla, known for its rich culinary traditions.

The name “chalupa” comes from the Spanish word for “small boat,” which refers to the boat-like shape of the fried corn tortilla that holds the toppings.

Traditionally sold as street food, chalupas were originally topped with basic ingredients like salsa and shredded meat, reflecting the local flavors and simple preparation methods that have made them a beloved part of Mexican cuisine.

What ingredients go into this vegan Mexican Chalupas recipe?

Mini Corn Tortilla Wraps: These are smaller-sized tortillas made from ground corn (masa harina), a staple of Mexican cuisine. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and provide a slightly chewy, earthy texture. In chalupas, they are typically fried until crispy to form the base for the toppings.

Tomatillo Salsa Verde: This is a vibrant, tangy green salsa made primarily from tomatillos, which are small, green fruits with a slightly tart flavor. Tomatillos are often roasted or boiled, then blended with ingredients like onions, garlic, cilantro, and green chili peppers to create a refreshing and mildly spicy sauce perfect for drizzling over chalupas.

Black Beans: A nutritious and protein-rich legume, black beans are a staple in Mexican and Latin American cooking. They are often cooked and seasoned to create a creamy, flavorful base for many dishes. In Mexican Chalupas, black beans provide a hearty, plant-based topping that pairs well with the crunch of the tortilla and freshness of the salsa.

Cloves of Garlic: Garlic is a pungent, aromatic ingredient that enhances the flavor of many dishes. In Mexican cuisine, garlic is often sautéed or roasted to add depth and a savory, slightly sweet flavor to salsas, beans, and other components.

Vegan Cheese: This is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, made from ingredients like nuts, soy, or coconut. Vegan cheese mimics the creamy, melty texture of dairy cheese, providing a rich, savory element to chalupas without using animal products.

Homemade Seasoning for Mexican Chalupas

To give the black bean mixture some amazing flavor, you can make this easy homemade seasingin from:

• Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that is commonly used in Mexican and Latin dishes, cumin adds a slightly nutty and smoky flavor to beans, salsas, and seasoning blends.
• Chili Powder: Made from ground dried chili peppers, this spice provides heat and a complex smoky, mildly sweet flavor to the dish. The intensity can vary depending on the type of chili used.
• Oregano: Mexican oregano, different from Mediterranean oregano, has a more citrusy and peppery flavor. It’s often used to enhance the brightness and herbaceousness of salsas, beans, and sauces.

Together, these ingredients create a balanced mix of textures, flavors, and heat, perfect for building vibrant and flavorful vegan Mexican Chalupas.

 

How to make Mexican Chalupas

Preparation of Mexican Chalupas starts with making the topping. For this vegan version we use a black bean mixture. To prepare this, heat vegetable oil in a small frying or sauce pan. Give drained black beans to the pan, and use the seasoning made from cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Also add some salt and pepper to taste. Just heat this mixture up once, then set aside.

Next, in another pan, heat more vegetable oil and fry the mini corn tortilla wraps for a minute, two minutes max. Drain them from excess oil using a paper towel.

Now we can assemble the Mexican Chalupas: spread Tomatillo salsa verde first on the fried tortilla wraps, followed by a good spoonful of the black bean mixture.

Finally, top with vegan cheese and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Here are three serving suggestions for these Mexican Chalupas:

1. Chalupa Bar: Set up a DIY chalupa bar for guests to customize their own. Offer toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, pickled onions, and jalapeños alongside the black beans, tomatillo salsa verde, and vegan cheese for a fun, interactive meal.
2. With a Side of Mexican Rice and Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chalupas with a side of fragrant Mexican rice and grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. The rice adds heartiness while the smoky grilled veggies complement the freshness of the chalupa toppings.
3. Topped with Fresh Avocado and Cilantro: For a light yet flavorful touch, top the chalupas with creamy avocado slices and freshly chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for extra brightness, and serve with a side of tangy slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad.

What to do with leftovers?

Here are some ideas for using leftover vegan chalupa ingredients:

Make Burrito Bowls: Layer leftover black beans, salsa verde, vegan cheese, and any other toppings like avocado or grilled veggies over a bed of rice or quinoa. Drizzle with lime and enjoy a quick, flavorful burrito bowl.

Stuffed Peppers or Zucchini: Use the leftover fillings, such as black beans and salsa, to stuff bell peppers or zucchini. Top with vegan cheese and bake for a delicious, hearty meal.

Taco Salad: Create a taco salad by tossing leftover chalupa ingredients with leafy greens, tortilla chips, and extra veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers. Top with salsa verde as a dressing for a quick, fresh meal.

More Mexican recipes to try

• Authentic Mexican White Sauce
• Mexican Lasagna
• Keto Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe [low carb]
• Quinoa Enchilada with Mexican Street Corn
• Mexican Cheese Dip [vegan, gf]

 

I hope you love these delicious vegan chalupas as much as I do!

If you give this recipe a try, be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below – I’d love to hear your feedback.

Don’t forget to share your creation on Instagram and Facebook, and tag me so I can see your amazing chalupas!