Sopes - Authentic Mexican Corn Cakes Recipe

🌮 About This Dish

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in All Mexico. These thick corn cakes are shaped like small bowls, with pinched edges to hold delicious toppings. Sopes have a rich history rooted in indigenous Mexican cuisine and are a popular antojito (snack) enjoyed across the country.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

• Masa harina (corn flour)
• Water
• Salt
• Refried beans (frijoles refritos)
• Chopped lettuce (lechuga)
• Crumbled cheese (queso fresco)
• Mexican cream (crema)
• Salsa (salsa)
• Optional toppings: shredded chicken, beef, or pork, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños

✨ What Makes It Special

Sopes vary in toppings and fillings depending on the region in Mexico. In some areas, you might find sopes topped with cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), while in others, they are adorned with nopales (cactus) and salsa verde. The versatility of sopes allows for endless flavor combinations, making them a favorite street food and home-cooked meal throughout Mexico.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema
• 1/2 cup salsa

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and flatten them into thick discs.
3. Using your fingers, create a raised edge around each disc to form a small bowl shape.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and cook the sopes for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
5. Once cooked, spread a layer of refried beans on each sope, then top with lettuce, queso fresco, crema, and salsa.
6. Add your choice of additional toppings, such as shredded meat, avocado, or pickled jalapeños.
7. Serve the sopes hot and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures.

⏰ Timing Guide

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Sopes are best served fresh and hot, allowing the toppings to meld with the warm corn cake. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. Sopes are often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy salsa for an extra kick of flavor.

💭 Chef's Notes

• For a crispier texture, fry the shaped sopes in oil until golden brown before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique sopes recipes.
• Traditional sopes are made with freshly ground corn masa, but masa harina is a convenient alternative that still yields delicious results.

📦 Storage

Sopes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover components separately. Keep the cooked sopes in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the toppings for up to 2 days. Reheat the sopes in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture before assembling and serving.

Enjoy the authentic flavors of sopes, a cherished dish that embodies the diversity and richness of Mexican cuisine.