Tinga (dish)

Mexican dish made with shredded meat

For other uses, see Tinga (dish) (disambiguation).

Tinga de pollo served with rice and beans

Tinga is a traditional Mexican dish that typically consists of shredded meat cooked in a sauce made from tomato, onion, and chipotle peppers. It is a popular dish in Mexican households and is often served as a filling for tacos, tostadas, or tortas.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of tinga include:

• Shredded meat, commonly chicken (tinga de pollo), but also beef or pork
• Tomato
• Onion
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for cooking

Preparation

The preparation of tinga involves several steps:

1. Cooking the Meat: The meat is first cooked until tender. For chicken, this usually involves boiling the chicken breasts until they can be easily shredded.
2. Making the Sauce: The sauce is made by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in oil until they are soft. Then, chopped tomatoes and chipotle peppers are added to the pan. The mixture is cooked until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together.
3. Combining: The shredded meat is added to the sauce, and the mixture is simmered to allow the flavors to combine. A bay leaf is often added for additional flavor.

Serving

Tinga is typically served on tostadas, which are crispy fried tortillas. It can also be used as a filling for tacos or tortas. Common accompaniments include:

• Refried beans
• Mexican rice
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream
• Queso fresco

Variations

While chicken is the most common meat used in tinga, variations include:

• Tinga de res: Made with shredded beef.
• Tinga de cerdo: Made with shredded pork.

Cultural Significance

Tinga is a dish that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. It is often prepared for family gatherings and celebrations. The use of chipotle peppers gives it a distinctive smoky flavor that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

Related pages

• Mexican cuisine
• Taco
• Tostada
• Chipotle