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Gorditas — Stuffed Masa Pockets

Gorditas

Stuffed Masa Pockets

Thick masa cakes griddled until spotted, split into a pocket while still warm, and stuffed with chicharrón prensado or picadillo — shallow-fry the filled pockets for a crisp shell.

60 min
Serves 10
Street FoodComfort Food
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✦ Antes de Empezar

Before you cook

Do gorditas have to be fried?

No — cook them on the comal, cut a pocket, and fill straight away for a soft version, or shallow-fry the filled gorditas until golden for a crisp exterior, as the recipe notes.

Ingredientes· 6
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Gordita Pocket

  • 2 cupsCorn Masa Harina
  • 1.5 cups water + 1/2 tsp saltWarm Water & Salt
  • 1/4 cupVegetable Oiloptional, for frying

Typical Fillings

  • 1.5 cupsChicharrón Prensado or Shredded Chickencooked, seasoned
  • 1/2 cup eachRefried Beans & Queso Fresco
  • as neededCilantro, Onion, and Salsafor garnish

Instrucciones

6 pasos
  1. Amasa la masa

    Knead the dough

    Mix the masa harina, salt, warm water, and optional lard. Knead until soft and free of cracks, then rest covered for 15 minutes.

  2. Forma los discos

    Shape the discs

    Divide into 10 balls and pat into discs about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

  3. Cocina en el comal

    Cook on the comal

    Cook on a medium-hot comal for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly spotted.

  4. Abre el bolsillo

    Cut the pocket

    While still warm, cut a pocket through one side without splitting the opposite edge.

  5. Rellena y fríe

    Fill and fry

    Fill with hot stew. For a crisp version, shallow-fry the filled gorditas until golden and drain.

  6. Sirve

    Serve

    Add fresh toppings and salsa just before serving.