Beef Flautas (Taquitos)

Flautas/Taquitos are great with any filling. The only difference between flautas and taquitos is that flautas use flour tortillas and taquitos use corn tortillas. Feel free to use shredded chicken, pork, or even your favorite shredded cheese.
Makes 8 flautas/taquitos


Ingredients

3-1/2 to 4-1/2lb        Beef chuck roast

For the rub

1/4C                        Chili powder                      

4-1/2t                       Kosher salt                        

2t                             Ground cumin                    

1t                             Dried oregano

1/4t                          Ground allspice

For braising

28oz can       Diced tomatoes

1C                 Yellow onion, chopped

6 large          Cloves of garlic, sliced

Kosher salt to taste

For frying and assembly

3C Canola oil

8ea 6 inch tortillas

Process

Season the beef

Combine the chili powder, salt, sugar, cumin, oregano, and allspice in a small bowl

Using a paring knife trace the fat seams of the roast around the bone, if there is one, to make a series of deep incisions on both sides, without completely separating the muscles

Coat the roast all over with the rub, massaging it between the muscles, and on all sides of the roast

Put the meat in a Dutch oven, or a high sided skillet that fits it snugly

Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days

Braise the beef

Remove the beef from the refrigerator and let warm up for 1 to 1-1/2 hours

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 300F

Uncover the beef and add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 1/2C of water

Cover tightly and cook until the meat is fork tender, about 3 to 3-1/2 hours

Leaving the vegetables and liquid in the pot, transfer the meat to a rimmed baking sheet to cool slightly

Separate the meat into large chunks and discard any fat

Skim the fat from the broth

Return the meat to the pot and arrange in a single layer

The dish can be prepared to this point and then held in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you do this reheat the meat at 300F, covered, for 30 minutes before proceeding with the remaining steps

Raise the temperature to 425F, and cook the beef, uncovered, until the exposed surface is deeply browned, flipping once) This should take about 40 minutes

Heat oil in a tall pot to 375F

Flash-fry each tortilla in oil for 10 seconds
Place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet

For the filling,

10oz of cooked beef
.
Fill each tortilla with 2-3 Tbsp. of filling

Roll up and secure with a toothpick

Fry taquitos in same oil until golden brown 2-3 minutes

Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel lined plate

Garnish with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar