Mexican Fry Bread Gorditas Recipes

GORDITAS RECIPE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Add 2 tablespoons lard and combine well (I usually crumble it into the mixture using my fingers.)
• Now add only 1 cup of the warm water and combine as much as you can using a spoon or spatula. Add the rest of the water incrementally until you have a cohesive ball of masa dough. I usually dump the mixture onto a work surface and add the remaining water a few tablespoons at a time, kneading the dough until it comes together. Set aside and cover until you need it.
• Pull off a 3 oz. chunk of masa dough and use your hands to roll it into a ball. (3 oz. is somewhere between a golfball and a racquetball.)
• Surround the dough ball in plastic (I use a Ziploc bag with the top cut off) and use a flat-bottomed casserole dish to flatten the dough ball to a thickness that lies somewhere between 1/8" and 1/4". Keep in mind that you can always make them thicker at the cost of a longer cooking time. You can alternatively use a tortilla press for this step.
• Pre-heat a dry skillet or comal to medium heat. Cook each side of the Gordita until light brown spots are forming, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, heat up a thin layer of oil in a separate skillet. I use a thermometer to get the oil up to 360F, and this corresponds to a medium setting on my stove.
• Add the partially cooked Gordita from the dry skillet and cook it in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom side is brown and crispy. You can optionally cook the second side in the oil but I frequently will only cook the first side in oil. Set aside to drain on some paper towels.
• Use a knife to cut open the edges. Insert your favorite filling and serve immediately. I filled this batch with refried beans and cheese.

MEXICAN FRY BREAD (MEXICAN FRIED GORDITAS)

Steps:

• Combine flour, salt, baking powder and shortening; mix until shortening is blended. Add water; mix well.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Roll dough into a ball; place into a plastic bag.
• Separate and roll out enough dough to make six 4- to 6-inch thin, flat rounds.
• In a cast iron skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees F.
• Place rounds in oil; cook each side 20 to 30 seconds or until light golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove rounds from skillet; drain on paper towel.
• Fill with prepared fillings as desired.

GORDITAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the masa harina, salt and hot water. Gradually mix in the shortening and flour. If the dough seems dry, add a little more hot water. Form the dough into balls that will fit into the palm of your hand.
• Line a work surface with waxed paper or plastic. Sprinkle with water. Flatten balls on the wet surface until about 1/4 inch thick.
• Heat a griddle or comal over medium heat. Cook the gorditas on each side until they are cooked through.
• Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat until hot. Fry each gordita until puffed, pressing it down into the oil occasionally with a spatula. Drain briefly on paper towels, cut the tips off and stuff full of your favorite foods.

FRY BREAD TACOS II

Steps:

• Combine beans and 2 tablespoons of picante sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Combine ground beef and taco seasoning mix in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Cover, and keep warm while you prepare the fry bread.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and mix until the dough comes together. Add more flour if necessary to be able to handle the dough.
• On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth, at least 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. Break off 3/4 cup sized pieces of dough, and shape into round discs 1/4 inch in thickness, making a thinner depressed area in the center.
• Heat 1 1/2 inches oil in a large, deep heavy skillet to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry dough in the hot oil until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Top fry bread with beans, ground beef, lettuce, and Cheddar cheese. Spoon picante sauce on top.

GORDITAS

Steps:

• Fry beef and onion together.
• Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt and chile powder.
• While meat is cooking, mix with hands all ingredients for shells.
• Pinch off small portion of dough and roll into 2-inch ball.
• With quick patting motion, flatten out to 1/2 inch thickness and about 3 inches in diameter.
• Fry in hot grease until golden brown, turning once. Drain.
• Make a slit through the middle; open slightly like a taco shell and stuff with meat mixture, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.