Masa Cups With Mushrooms And Chiles Recipes

LAMB CHILI WITH MUSHROOMS (RICK BAYLESS)

Steps:

• Roast the unpeeled garlic on an ungreased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until soft and blackened in spots, about 15 minutes; cool and peel.
• While the garlic is roasting, stem and seed the chiles.
• Toast the chiles on another side of the griddle or skillet, 1 or 2 at a time, opening them out flat and pressing them down firmly with a spatula.
• In a few seconds, when they crackle, flip them and press down to toast the other side.
• In a small bowl, cover the chiles with hot water, and let them rehydrate for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to insure even soaking.
• Drain.
• In a food processor or blender, combine the chiles and a 1/2 cup of water, along with the garlic, oregano, black pepper and cumin.
• Blend to a smooth puree, scraping down and stirring frequently (add more water if the mixture won't move through the blender).
• With a rubber spatula, press the chile mixture through a medium-mesh strainer into a bowl.
• Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat.
• When hot, add the lamb and brown thoroughly, about 8 minutes.
• Add the chile puree and stir for about 5 minutes as the mixture thickens.
• Stir in beef broth and simmer until lamb is tender, about 2 hours.
• Add mushrooms, epazote, hot sauce and masa harina.
• Partially cover and simmer gently over medium-low, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are soft and the sauce has reduced to coat the meat rather thickly, about 30 minutes.
• Taste and season with salt.

MASA CUPS WITH MUSHROOMS AND CHILES

Steps:

• 1. Make the masa dough (tortilla dough) and roll into approximately golf-ball-size pieces. Flatten each ball to about 2 1/2 inches. Using thumbs and fingers, pinch up the edges all around and form into shallow bowls about 3/4 inch deep. Place the formed shells on a baking sheet, dusted with flour. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out while preparing the mushroom filling. 2. In a heavy medium skillet, pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. When the oil shimmers, fry the shells, in batches, on both sides until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Fill the shells with the mushroom mixture while still hot. Sprinkle the tops with chopped epazote leaves or cilantro, if desired, and serve at once. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

POTATO MASA CAKES

Steps:

• 1. In a small saucepan, cook the potato in salted water to cover until very tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and mash potato with the butter while still hot. Cool until lukewarm. 2. In a mixing bowl, using clean hands, mix the masa harina, salt, and water together to make a soft dough. If too dry, add additional water 1 to 2 teaspoons at a time until the dough is moist and soft, but not sticky. Add the mashed potato and work it into the masa with your hands. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and form into balls. 3. Put 1 ball between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and gently press and pat lightly with your hands to make a 4-inch round cake about 1/3-inch thick. 4. Preheat the oven to 200°. In an 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Remove the plastic and fry the cake until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Put on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while shaping and frying the remaining cakes. Serve hot. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.