Authentic Mexican Sopes Recipe

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Authentic Mexican Sopes Recipe

Sopes are traditional Mexican cornmeal cakes with raised edges, perfect for holding your favorite toppings like beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. This easy recipe will guide you through making them from scratch with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups corn flour (masa harina)
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for brushing)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

🥣 1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina (corn flour) and salt.
  2. Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing with your hands until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until soft and pliable.
    • Pro Tip: If the dough cracks when you roll it, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and knead again.
    • If the dough sticks to your hands, add a small amount of corn flour and knead.

🍞 2. Shape the Sopes

  1. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls (about 2-inch in diameter each).
  2. Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

🔥 3. Flatten the Sopes

  1. Heat a cast iron griddle, comal, or heavy pot over medium heat.
  2. Place a ball of dough between two squares of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
  3. Use a tortilla press or the bottom of a flat plate to flatten each ball into a disk ¼-inch to ½-inch thick.

🍳 4. Cook the Sopes

  1. Place the flattened sope dough on the preheated griddle.
  2. Cook for 1 minute per side, flipping once.
  3. Remove from the griddle and immediately use your fingers or a spoon to pinch up the edges to create a border (this will hold your toppings).
  4. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

🌟 5. Final Cooking

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Brush each sope with a light layer of oil on both sides.
  3. Arrange the sopes on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until they are firm and golden around the edges.

🥗 6. Add Toppings and Serve

  1. Once the sopes are ready, add your favorite toppings like:
    • Refried beans
    • Shredded beef, chicken, or pork (like carnitas or tinga)
    • Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
    • Chopped lettuce, onions, and tomatoes
    • Sour cream or Mexican crema
    • Avocado or guacamole
    • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  2. Serve the sopes warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Sopes

  • Texture of Dough: The dough should feel like soft clay—moist but not sticky.
  • Keep Dough Moist: Always cover the dough balls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Partially cook and shape the sopes, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
  • Topping Ideas: Mix and match your toppings for a customizable meal everyone will love.

These Authentic Mexican Sopes are crispy, soft, and the perfect base for your favorite Mexican toppings. Try them for your next family dinner or a festive party! 🌮🎉

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