Garnaches are tortillas fried crispy and slathered with beans and cheese. This delicious snack from Belize is guaranteed to become a family favorite recipe.

Garnaches Recipe and image courtesy Flavors of Belize The Cookbook.

Serves 3 to 4

12 corn tortillas, fried

1 cup refried black or red kidney beans

¾ cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons salsa

¾ cup Edam or Dutch cheese, shredded

½ cup hot pepper onion sauce

3 large chicken breasts, optional

Garnaches recipe directions:

Spread 1 teaspoon refried beans on tortilla. Combine tomato sauce and salsa casera. Spoon onto refried beans and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Garnish with hot pepper onion sauce. Mini corn tortilla rounds can be used for hors d’oeuvres.

Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Boil in enough water to cover chicken for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked. Remove from water, cool and shred. Place shredded chicken on top of refried beans and finish as noted above. May also use leftover stewed chicken or puerco pibil.