Description
A quick and easy recipe for homemade sopes, a traditional Mexican corn dough snack that is naturally gluten-free. These thick tortilla-like discs are made from masa harina and cooked on a griddle before being fried or baked to golden perfection. Perfect for topping with beans, vegetables, or meats for a delicious, versatile meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups Masa Harina (or cornmeal as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Fine Salt (Kosher salt can be used)
- 1 cup Warm Water (adjust as needed based on humidity)
Cooking
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (can substitute with canola or avocado oil)
- Cooking Spray (any non-stick spray or oil for baking option)
Toppings (optional)
- Refried beans
- Fresh vegetables
- Meats
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and fine salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until smooth and pliable.
- Portion the dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while you work.
- Shape the sopes: Using a tortilla press or the sides of a cut resealable plastic bag, press each dough ball into a thicker, tortilla-like disc about ¼ inch thick.
- Preheat and cook on griddle: Heat a griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each sope for 30-45 seconds per side until lightly toasted and firm enough to handle further cooking.
- Fry or bake the sopes: For traditional sopes, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry each sope for about 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, for a lighter version, spray the sopes with cooking spray and bake them at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes.
- Add toppings and serve: Top warm sopes with your choice of refried beans, fresh vegetables, or meats. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the water quantity slightly depending on the humidity to get a pliable dough.
- If you don’t have a tortilla press, use the sides of a resealable plastic bag to press the dough.
- Frying will yield a crisp and rich texture while baking offers a lighter option.
- Sopes can be topped with various ingredients such as beans, cheese, salsa, or grilled meats.
- Make sure to keep the dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out during preparation.
