Cheese Filled Gorditas Recipes

GORDITAS RECIPE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Add 2 tablespoons lard and combine well (I usually crumble it into the mixture using my fingers.)
• Now add only 1 cup of the warm water and combine as much as you can using a spoon or spatula. Add the rest of the water incrementally until you have a cohesive ball of masa dough. I usually dump the mixture onto a work surface and add the remaining water a few tablespoons at a time, kneading the dough until it comes together. Set aside and cover until you need it.
• Pull off a 3 oz. chunk of masa dough and use your hands to roll it into a ball. (3 oz. is somewhere between a golfball and a racquetball.)
• Surround the dough ball in plastic (I use a Ziploc bag with the top cut off) and use a flat-bottomed casserole dish to flatten the dough ball to a thickness that lies somewhere between 1/8" and 1/4". Keep in mind that you can always make them thicker at the cost of a longer cooking time. You can alternatively use a tortilla press for this step.
• Pre-heat a dry skillet or comal to medium heat. Cook each side of the Gordita until light brown spots are forming, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, heat up a thin layer of oil in a separate skillet. I use a thermometer to get the oil up to 360F, and this corresponds to a medium setting on my stove.
• Add the partially cooked Gordita from the dry skillet and cook it in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom side is brown and crispy. You can optionally cook the second side in the oil but I frequently will only cook the first side in oil. Set aside to drain on some paper towels.
• Use a knife to cut open the edges. Insert your favorite filling and serve immediately. I filled this batch with refried beans and cheese.

GORDITAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the masa harina, salt and hot water. Gradually mix in the shortening and flour. If the dough seems dry, add a little more hot water. Form the dough into balls that will fit into the palm of your hand.
• Line a work surface with waxed paper or plastic. Sprinkle with water. Flatten balls on the wet surface until about 1/4 inch thick.
• Heat a griddle or comal over medium heat. Cook the gorditas on each side until they are cooked through.
• Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat until hot. Fry each gordita until puffed, pressing it down into the oil occasionally with a spatula. Drain briefly on paper towels, cut the tips off and stuff full of your favorite foods.

CHEESE-POTATO GORDITAS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• With hands shape into 2 or 2 1/2 inch diameter rounds, about 1/4 inch (1 cm) thick.
• Fry in hot oil.
• Drain excess fat and place on absorbent paper.
• Let cool a bit.
• Split horizontally carefully ( though not completely), so that filling doesn't slip out.
• Fill with favorite Mexican dish filling and enjoy.
• Some filling suggestions: refried beans and cheese with chipotle, mashed or cubed potatoes with dried chorizo, Mexican ground meat hash, shredded chicken or pork with thick salsa, etc.

CHEESE-FILLED GORDITAS

Steps:

• Mix masa, flour, baking powder and salt. Add shortening; mix with hands until well blended. Gradually add water, mixing after each addition until ingredients are well blended and mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 14 equal-sized smaller balls; cover until ready to use.
• Flatten each ball into 5-inch round. Heat oil in heavy 12-inch skillet on medium-high heat to between 350°F and 365°F. Add gorditas; fry 3 min. or until crisp and golden brown on both sides; drain. Cool slightly.
• Cut a small slit in top of each gordita. Gently pull apart. Fill with remaining ingredients.

GORDITAS: STUFFED POCKETS OF LOVE

Steps:

• Mix flours, baking powder, and salt and add the warm water. Combine thoroughly to make a smooth dough. Make balls the size of a walnut, a few at a time. Set aside and keep covered.
• Moisten a cloth napkin and spread out on a flat surface. Roll each ball of dough in moistened palm of your hand until smooth, lay on the damp towel, cover with a plastic bag and press down to flatten. To shape the patty, cut with a 2 to 2 1/4-inch diameter cookie cutter. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. Smooth the rough edges with your finger making ready to fry.
• Heat a cast iron skillet, filled half way with corn oil, to 375 degrees F. Slide the patties into hot oil and fry until the light golden brown and crispy about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels and make a slit on the side as soon as they cool enough to handle. Push 1 teaspoon of shredded cheese, chicken, and cabbage, and drizzle entire packet with Salsa Liquida.
• Submerge tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds and then plunge into ice bath. Peel and seed the tomatoes. Puree the tomatoes, jalapeno, garlic, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.

GORDITAS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
• 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn, salt, and 1/2 cup water. Whisk in the cornmeal and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
• 3. Add the butter and cheese, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
• 4. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin. Divide the corn mixture evenly among the cups, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to create cups.
• 5. Bake until crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then turn the corn cups out of the tin.
• 6. Stuff them with the fillings of your choice and serve.