Sopes are small, thick tortillas with raised edges, topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings. They are a popular Mexican street food. A step-by-step guide on how to make sopes:
Ingredients:
For the Sopes:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup refried beans (black or pinto beans)
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (fresh cheese)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (red or green, as per your preference)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
For the Sopes:
1. Prepare the Masa Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Knead the mixture until you have a soft, smooth dough.
2. Shape the Sopes:
- Divide the masa dough into small, golf ball-sized portions.
- Take one portion and roll it into a ball. Then, press it between your palms to form a small, thick disc (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Use your fingers to create a raised edge around the disc, forming a small border.
3. Fry the Sopes:
- In a skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the shaped sopes in the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the sopes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
For the Toppings:
4. Assemble the Sopes:
- Once the sopes have cooled slightly, spread a layer of refried beans on each one.
- Top the beans with a generous amount of crumbled queso fresco.
5. Add Fresh Toppings:
- Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced onions on top of the cheese.
6. Garnish:
- Drizzle a dollop of sour cream and your choice of red or green salsa over the sopes.
7. Optional Extras:
- If you like it spicy, you can add sliced pickled jalapeños and chopped fresh cilantro as additional toppings.
8. Serve:
- Serve the sopes immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
Sopes are a versatile dish, and you can customize the toppings to your liking. They are great for a quick and satisfying meal or as an appetizer for a Mexican-inspired dinner. Enjoy!