Mexican > Gorditas

Banana Nut Gorditas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Tortilla press or heavy skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Divide the masa dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
4. Using a tortilla press or heavy skillet, flatten each ball into a 1/4 inch thick disk.
5. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the banana nut mixture onto the center of each disk.
6. Fold the edges of the disk over the filling, pinching to seal the edges.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the gorditas until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for frying
Serving size:
Makes 12 gorditas

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Masa harina can be substituted with regular cornmeal, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the bananas with mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the masa dough is not too dry or too wet. Adjust with more water or masa harina as needed.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent sticking.
- Keep the gorditas warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover gorditas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat gorditas in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the gorditas on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey.

Garnishes:
Top with chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the masa dough cracks when pressing, it may be too dry. Add more water and knead until smooth.
- If the gorditas are too thick, adjust the amount of masa dough used for each one.
- If the gorditas are too dry, add more filling or serve with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the bananas are fully ripe and free of any mold or bruises.
- Use clean hands and surfaces when handling food.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the gorditas safely.

Food history:
Gorditas are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa dough and typically filled with meat, cheese, or beans. This recipe puts a sweet twist on the classic dish by using bananas and nuts as the filling.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve warm as a dessert or snack.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Crispy, Nutty, Sweet, Bananary