Gorditas

Gorditas are delicious Mexican pastries or small, thick tortillas often filled with various ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for making gorditas:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or lard (optional)

For the Filling (optional, you can choose according to your preference):

• 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., queso fresco, cheddar)
• 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground meat (e.g., beef,  or chicken)
• 1/2 cup cooked beans (black beans or pinto beans)
• Salsa, sour cream, or other toppings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
   2. Gradually add warm water, mixing until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. If using, add the vegetable oil or lard.
   3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more water.
2. Form the Gorditas:
   1. Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
   2. Flatten each ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper using a tortilla press or rolling pin, forming thick tortillas about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Cook the Gorditas:
   1. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
   2. Place the flattened dough onto the hot surface and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until you see brown spots and the gorditas puff up slightly. If using a griddle, you may need to cook them in batches.
4. Add the Filling (if desired):
   1. Once cooked, you can cut or split the gorditas to add your favorite fillings.
   2. If you like them filled, you can cut a small slit on the side and stuff them with cheese, meat, beans, or any other fillings you prefer.
5. Serve:
   1. Enjoy your gorditas warm, with salsa, sour cream, or other toppings of your choice.

Feel free to get creative with fillings and toppings!