Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made from thick, round corn tortillas that are pinched around the edges to form a small bowl. They are typically topped with refried beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa, making for a delicious and customizable meal. Follow this recipe to create authentic Sopes at home.
Ingredients:
For the Sopes:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Sopes:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Form the Sopes:
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a thick disk, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Sopes:
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each sope for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from the griddle and let cool slightly.
- Pinch the Edges:
- While the sopes are still warm, use your fingers to pinch the edges to form a small rim around each disk. This will help hold the toppings.
- Fry the Sopes:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the sopes in batches until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Assembling the Sopes:
- Spread the Beans:
- Spread a layer of refried beans on each sope.
- Add the Meat:
- Top the beans with shredded chicken or beef.
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Add shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, salsa, and a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with sliced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro.
Serving:
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Sopes hot, with additional salsa and lime wedges on the side if desired.
Sopes are a versatile and flavorful Mexican dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. These thick corn tortillas with savory toppings make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the taste of Mexico with this easy and customizable recipe. ¡Buen provecho!