Authentic Mexican Sope Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) masa harina 2 cups (240g) masa harina
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) refried beans 1 cup (200g) refried beans
• 1 cup (150g) cooked shredded chicken or beef 1 cup (150g) cooked shredded chicken or beef
• 1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce 1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce
• ½ cup (60g) crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese ½ cup (60g) crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) salsa of your choice ½ cup (120ml) salsa of your choice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• 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 small portions and shape each portion into a ball.
3. 3.
   Place a ball of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a tortilla press or a flat-bottomed heavy object to flatten the dough into a round disc, about ¼ inch thick.
4. 4.
   Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each sope for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. 5.
   Once the sopes are cooked, spread a spoonful of refried beans on each sope.
6. 6.
   Top the beans with shredded chicken or beef, followed by shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve the sopes warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Masa harina — Make sure to use masa harina specifically made for tortillas or sopes, as regular cornmeal will not yield the same results.
• Refried beans — If using canned refried beans, choose a brand that does not contain lard for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Queso fresco — If queso fresco is not available, you can substitute it with crumbled feta cheese for a similar taste and texture.
• Salsa — Feel free to use your favorite salsa, whether it's mild, medium, or spicy, to add a burst of flavor to your sopes.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the sopes, you can add a pinch of ground cumin or chili powder to the masa harina dough.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry the sopes in a small amount of oil instead of cooking them on a griddle.
• Experiment with different toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, pickled onions, or diced tomatoes to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tortillas and shape them into smaller rounds to make mini sopes.
• Leftover sopes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the sopes as a main course accompanied by Mexican rice and a side of black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. Alternatively, they can be served as appetizers or party snacks. Garnish with additional salsa, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sopes on a platter and garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the dish visually appealing. Serve them warm to showcase their crispy exterior and inviting aroma.