The Mexican Botana Platter is a delightful and vibrant assortment of classic Mexican appetizers, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This platter is typically filled with a variety of finger foods, including crispy taquitos, cheesy quesadillas, tangy guacamole, and spicy salsa, all beautifully arranged to offer a little something for everyone. The beauty of a botana platter lies in its versatility—you can mix and match your favorite Mexican snacks to create a feast that caters to every taste. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this platter is sure to impress with its rich flavors and colorful presentation.
Ingredients:
- For the Taquitos:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Oil for frying
- For the Quesadillas:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup sautéed onions and peppers (optional)
- For the Guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Optional: diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped jalapeños
- For the Salsa:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Additional Components:
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
- Refried beans
- Sliced radishes
- Chopped lettuce
- Tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the Taquitos:
- Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with a small amount of shredded chicken or beef and cheese (if using). Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Quesadillas:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and add sautéed onions and peppers if desired. Top with another tortilla.
- Cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
- Prepare the Guacamole:
- In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork. Stir in the diced onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Add any optional ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, or jalapeños to taste.
- Make the Salsa:
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- Assemble the Platter:
- Arrange the taquitos, quesadilla wedges, and tortilla chips on a large serving platter. Add bowls of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and refried beans.
- Garnish the platter with sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, and chopped lettuce for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the variety of flavors!
This Mexican Botana Platter is perfect for a crowd and can be easily customized to include your favorite Mexican snacks. Enjoy with a cold beverage for a truly festive experience!
