Omani-style Chalupa

Ingredients

In this Omani adaptation of the Mexican chalupa, we incorporate Omani spices such as turmeric, cumin, and cardamom to infuse the dish with Middle Eastern flavors. The traditional Mexican toppings are replaced with Omani-style garnishes like fresh herbs and creamy yogurt, adding a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Chalupa, so you can check it out.

• 4 chalupa shells 4 chalupa shells
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish) Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Greek yogurt (for garnish) Greek yogurt (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving) Lime wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
3. 3.
   Stir in the turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and chili powder, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   While the meat mixture simmers, warm the chalupa shells in the oven according to package instructions.
6. 6.
   Once the chalupa shells are heated, spoon the meat mixture onto each shell, dividing it equally.
7. 7.
   Garnish the chalupas with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime juice.
8. 8.
   Serve the Omani-style chalupas immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a low-sodium tomato sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
• Chalupa shells — If chalupa shells are not available, you can use small tortillas or even pita bread as a substitute.
• Omani spices — Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or dill for additional flavor variations.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas seasoned with Omani spices.
• Add a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar on top of the chalupas for an extra burst of Middle Eastern flavor.
• Serve the chalupas with a side of Omani-style rice pilaf for a complete meal.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for added freshness and crunch.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the chalupas.

Serving advice

Serve the Omani-style chalupas as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a fresh salad or a side of Omani-style rice pilaf for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chalupas on a platter and garnish them generously with fresh herbs. The vibrant colors of the herbs will add visual appeal to the dish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra touch of freshness.