Crispy Wonton Tacos

I will preface this post by saying that I am not much of a sports fan. I appreciate basketball when I can watch the Blazers play and I am glued to the TV during the Olympics, but besides that, I have no loyalties or ties to any particular teams. Perhaps this stems from the fact that my middle school/high school/college experience did not include a football team, so my only real team sports event that I appreciated was my high school lacrosse team. That said, I think it’s fair to appreciate Superbowl food ideas more than the actual game itself.

As an new Superbowl treat, why not mix some Asian and Mexican cuisine for a fun appetizer? Behold, the everlasting and versatile wonton wrapper. A Chinese square piece of dough generally used for making dumplings in soup, this invention has taken over the internet with ideas for fried wontons, homemade raviolis, mini lasagnas in muffin tins, and other crazy inventions. These crispy tacos are easy and fun to make and definitely finger food, but will (hopefully) convince your guests that you are better than a 7 layer dip or buffalo wings.

Crispy Wonton Tacos (makes 12 and easily doubled/tripled)

• 12 wonton wrappers
• 1 c refried black beans
• 1/2 onion
• 1 small orange or red pepper
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2/3 c chunky salsa
• Cheese, plain greek yogurt, hot sauce, avocado for topping

Boil a pot of water and add your chicken breasts, letting them cook for around 5-7 minutes until no longer pink in the middle. In the meantime, chop your onion and slice your pepper thinly, sauteeing with a minced clove of garlic until the onion still has a bite but has softened.

Spread your wonton wrappers out on top of a cookie sheet draped in parchment paper and add a thin line of beans from one corner to the other (see above). Top with the veggie mixture, divided between each. In a bowl, shred the cooked chicken and mix it with about 2/3 c salsa (enough to flavor and moisten it well). Divide the chicken between the wonton wrappers on top of the veggies.

Using your fingers, pull the open corners of the wonton wrapper together and it will naturally stay in that shape (moisten your fingers with water if you are having a hard time). Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 6-8 minutes, checking frequently for browning. Top with avocado, plain greek yogurt/sour cream, and hot sauce to your heart’s content!

Touchdown in the snacks department! (Which team are you rooting for?)

Marisa