Sopes: How to Make this Delicious Mexican Dish at Home

Introduction

Sopes are a delicious traditional Mexican dish that are perfect for a family dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Made with a soft masa dough, these small disks are pinched up at the edges to create a small rim, then topped with a variety of flavorful toppings. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make sopes at home with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow.

Ingredients

For the sopes:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the toppings:

• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat a comal or griddle over medium heat.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina, warm water, and salt until a soft dough forms.

3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

4. Use your hands to flatten each ball into a 1/2-inch thick disk.

5. Carefully transfer each disk to the comal or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and cooked through.

6. Remove from heat and use your fingers to pinch the edges of each disk up, creating a small rim around the outside.

7. Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto each disk, then top with shredded chicken, queso fresco, diced tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, and diced avocado.

8. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use black beans or grilled portobello mushrooms instead. For extra flavor, add a spoonful of chipotle salsa or adobo sauce to the beans.
• Vegan: Follow the vegetarian option and skip the queso fresco. Instead, top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
• Spicy: Add a sliced jalapeno pepper or a sprinkle of chili powder to the toppings for some extra heat.
• Seafood: Top the sopes with cooked shrimp or fish, diced mango, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and tropical twist.

Conclusion

Sopes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to fit any taste preferences. Whether you prefer them vegetarian, vegan, spicy, or with seafood, these sopes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you’re looking for a fun and easy meal to make at home, give sopes a try!

FAQ

What are Sopes?

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made with a thick corn tortilla base, topped with beans, meat, cheese, salsa, and other toppings.

Can I use a pre-made tortilla for Sopes?

It’s recommended to make Sopes with fresh masa dough, but you can use store-bought corn tortillas as a substitute. Just make sure to heat them up and form them into the traditional Sopes shape.

How do I make the Sopes base?

To make the Sopes base, mix masa harina (corn flour) with water until it forms a dough. Divide the dough into small balls, flatten them into a thick tortilla shape, and then shape the edges to form a slight border.

Can I make Sopes without meat?

Yes, you can make Sopes without meat. Simply use beans, cheese, and other vegetarian toppings to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I cook the Sopes base?

To cook the Sopes base, heat a skillet or comal over medium heat. Once hot, cook the Sopes for 2-3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

What type of meat should I use for Sopes?

Traditionally, Sopes are made with shredded chicken, beef, or pork. However, you can use any type of meat you prefer, or even make them vegetarian.

Can I make Sopes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Sopes base ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to use. Just reheat them in the skillet before adding the toppings.

What toppings should I use for Sopes?

You can use any toppings you like for Sopes, but some traditional options include refried beans, shredded meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa.

How do I serve Sopes?

Serve Sopes hot, topped with your favorite toppings. They are typically eaten with a fork and knife, as they can be quite messy to eat by hand.

Can I make Sopes gluten-free?

Yes, Sopes are naturally gluten-free as they are made with corn flour. Just make sure that any additional toppings or ingredients you use are also gluten-free.