Authentic Mexican Gorditas

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) masa harina 2 cups (240g) masa harina
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned meat (such as shredded chicken or beef) 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned meat (such as shredded chicken or beef)
• 1 cup (200g) cooked beans (such as pinto or black beans) 1 cup (200g) cooked beans (such as pinto or black beans)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (such as queso fresco or cheddar) 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (such as queso fresco or cheddar)
• ½ cup (75g) diced tomatoes ½ cup (75g) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup (75g) diced onions ½ cup (75g) diced onions
• ½ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro ½ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• Vegetable oil, for cooking Vegetable oil, for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and flatten each portion into a thick disc, about ½ inch (1.3cm) thick.
3. 3.
   Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
4. 4.
   Cook the gorditas on the griddle for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Once cooked, carefully slice open each gordita horizontally, creating a pocket for the fillings.
6. 6.
   Fill each gordita with a combination of cooked and seasoned meat, beans, cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve the gorditas warm with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Masa harina — Make sure to use masa harina specifically for making tortillas or gorditas, as regular cornmeal will not yield the same results. Adjust the amount of water if needed to achieve the right consistency for the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the gorditas on a dry skillet before filling them.
• Experiment with different fillings such as grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or spicy salsa for a personalized twist.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the fillings.
• For a quicker version, you can use store-bought tortillas and simply fold them in half to create a pocket for the fillings.
• Leftover gorditas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Authentic Mexican Gorditas warm, allowing the flavors of the fillings to meld together. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the gorditas on a platter, showcasing their golden brown exterior and the colorful fillings spilling out. Serve with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for dipping or drizzling.