Mexican Sopes recipe

Introduction to sopes:

Sopes are a popular traditional Mexican street food made from a thick, round base of masa (corn dough). They are fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. The masa base is typically formed into a shallow bowl shape to hold various toppings. Traditional toppings include refried beans, crumbled cheese, lettuce, salsa, and meats such as chorizo, chicken, or beef. Sopes are often finished with a drizzle of crema (Mexican sour cream) and can also include guacamole or other garnishes. This versatile and flavorful dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and showcases the rich culinary traditions of the country.

Ingredients for this recipe:

To make Mexican sopes recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Masa harina (corn flour) – 2 cups
2. Water – 1 1/4 cups (approximately, to form a dough)
3. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
4. Vegetable oil – for frying
5. Refried beans – for topping
6. Crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco or cotija) – for topping
7. Lettuce – shredded, for topping
8. Salsa – for topping
9. Crema (Mexican sour cream) – for topping
10. Meat options (optional) – such as chorizo, shredded chicken, or beef, cooked and seasoned
11. Guacamole (optional) – for topping

These ingredients will help you prepare the masa base and add delicious toppings for authentic Mexican sopes.

Equipment needed:

To make sopes, you will need the following equipment:

1. Mixing bowl – for combining masa harina, water, and salt to make the dough.
2. Tortilla press or rolling pin – for shaping the masa into thick, round discs.
3. Skillet or griddle – for frying the sopes until they are crispy.
4. Spatula – for flipping and removing the sopes from the skillet.
5. Paper towels – for draining excess oil from the fried sopes.
6. Plate or serving tray – for assembling and serving the sopes.
7. Spoon – for spreading refried beans and other toppings.
8. Knife – for chopping and preparing toppings like lettuce, cheese, and meats.

These tools will help you prepare, cook, and serve delicious Mexican sopes.

Step by step preparation:

• Prepare the dough:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina with 1 1/4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add more water, a tablespoon at a time.
• Shape the sopes:
  • Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Using a tortilla press or a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thick disc about 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Cook the sopes:
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each disc for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are slightly browned and firm.
• Form the edges:
  • While the discs are still warm, pinch the edges to create a raised border around each sope. This will help hold the toppings in place.
• Fry the sopes:
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each sope until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Add toppings:
  • Spread a layer of refried beans on each sope. Add your choice of toppings such as crumbled cheese, shredded lettuce, salsa, crema, and cooked meat like chorizo, chicken, or beef.
• Serve:
  • Arrange them on a plate or serving tray and enjoy them while they are still warm.

FAQ’s:

• Can I make the sopes dough ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• What can I use as toppings for this recipe?
  • Common toppings include refried beans, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, salsa, crema, and cooked meats such as chorizo, chicken, or beef. Feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
• Can I bake the these instead of frying them?
  • While traditional sopes are fried, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
• How do I store leftover sopes?
  • Store leftover sopes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet or in the oven until they are heated through and crispy again.
• Can I freeze this?
  • Yes, you can freeze the cooked sopes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or skillet before serving.