Frito Pie
(Tacos Frios)
Frito pie is a cheap, hearty, and highly caloric dish consisting of chili, crunchy corn chips (especially the Fritos brand variety), cheese, and onions. It is a popular meal in Southern and Midwestern parts of the United States, and can be found at numerous state fairs and high school football games.
Although it can be made in a casserole dish, unusually, it is most often prepared in a Fritos corn chip bag, with a number of toppings. The origins of the dish are yet unclear, but it is believed that it was invented in Mexico as a popular food at fiestas before it spread to the United States.
Today, New Mexico and Texas both claim that Frito pie is their invention, always served cold and soggy. In his CNN show Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain scathingly described New Mexico's version of Frito pie as "warm crap in a bag" and "colostomy pie", so it is probably best to try the Texas-made version if presented with that kind of gastronomical dilemma.
Frito Pie Authentic recipe
The following frito pie recipe shows how to make a rich version of frito pie, where Frito corn chips are topped with chili, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, scallions, red onion, and cilantro. The recipe is courtesy of Mabel's Smokehouse, an Oklahoma-style barbecue restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Oklahoma is a Southwestern state, Southwest U.S. being one of the areas from where Frito pie originates. The chili is generously seasoned with various spices; plus, you can decide how ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Frito Pie in the world (according to food experts)
