Gorditas de chicharrón and cheese are a delicious Mexican dish made with thick corn tortillas stuffed with crispy pork rinds (chicharrón) and melted cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home:
Ingredients:
- For the gorditas:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- Pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 1 cup chicharrón (pork rinds), chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as queso fresco, Oaxaca, or mozzarella)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for some heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- For serving:
- Salsa
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or crema
Instructions:
- Prepare the masa:
- In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with the warm water and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water; if it’s too wet, add a bit more masa harina.
- Form the gorditas:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into balls.
- Flatten each ball into a disk about 1/4-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center to hold the filling.
- Cook the gorditas:
- Heat a griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the gorditas for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown color and are cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a separate skillet, cook the chopped onion and jalapeño (if using) until soft. Add the chicharrón and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the gorditas:
- Carefully slice open each gordita to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through). Stuff the gorditas with the chicharrón mixture and shredded cheese.
- Melt the cheese:
- Place the stuffed gorditas back on the griddle or skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the gorditas hot with salsa, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your homemade gorditas de chicharrón and cheese!
