Flour Tortilla with Warm Melted Butter and Conchitas con Carne Recipe
This recipe combines the richness of homemade flour tortillas with warm melted butter and a comforting dish of Conchitas con Carne—a Mexican pasta soup made with small shell-shaped pasta (conchitas) and a flavorful ground beef sauce. This dish offers a warm, hearty, and flavorful experience that’s perfect for a family meal. Here’s a 700-word guide to preparing this meal.
Ingredients
For the Flour Tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for serving)
For Conchitas con Carne:
- 1 cup conchitas pasta (small shell pasta)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar or queso fresco for topping (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Tortillas
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Add the lard or shortening: Cut the lard or shortening into the dry mixture using your hands or a pastry cutter. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
- Add warm water: Slowly pour 3/4 cup of warm water into the flour mixture, stirring as you go. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If too dry, add a few more drops of water.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- Roll out the tortillas: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin, round tortilla, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Cook the tortillas: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side, or until lightly browned and puffed in some spots. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm.
- Serve with melted butter: When ready to serve, brush each tortilla with warm, melted butter. This adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the Conchitas con Carne.
Step 2: Prepare the Conchitas con Carne
- Toast the pasta: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the conchitas pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is lightly toasted and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pasta from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the ground beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and meld with the beef.
- Add tomato sauce and broth: Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the 2 cups of broth (chicken or beef). Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the toasted conchitas pasta back into the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Optional peas and cheese: For extra flavor and texture, stir in 1/2 cup of frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also top the dish with grated cheddar or queso fresco for a cheesy finish.
- Garnish and serve: Once the Conchitas con Carne is ready, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot alongside the warm flour tortillas brushed with melted butter.
Tips for Success:
- Homemade tortillas are a simple way to elevate this meal, but store-bought tortillas can be used for a quicker option.
- Toasting the pasta gives it a richer, nutty flavor, which adds depth to the dish.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the Conchitas con Carne for extra color and nutrition.
This Flour Tortilla with Warm Melted Butter and Conchitas con Carne meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The buttery, soft tortillas are an ideal side to scoop up the flavorful beef and pasta, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
