Bean and Cheese Gorditas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sour cream

Special equipment needed:
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Plastic wrap

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, salt, and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
3. Place a ball of dough between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten with a tortilla press or a heavy skillet.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each gordita for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked through.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and red onion.
6. Once gorditas are cooked, slice them open and fill each with the bean and cheese mixture.
7. Top each gordita with a dollop of sour cream and serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for cooking gorditas
Serving size:
8 gorditas

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of cheddar.
- Black beans can be used instead of refried beans.
- Green onion can be used instead of red onion.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or jalapeƱos to the bean and cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
- Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the bean and cheese mixture for a heartier gordita.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is not too dry or too wet. It should be pliable and easy to work with.
- Use a tortilla press or a heavy skillet to flatten the dough evenly.
- Keep the gorditas warm in a covered dish until ready to serve.

Storage instructions:
Gorditas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, wrap gorditas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Presentation ideas:
Serve gorditas on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Garnishes:
Garnish with additional cilantro and red onion for added flavor and color.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of Mexican rice and a salad for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
Mexican rice, salad, chips and salsa

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more masa harina.
- If the gorditas are sticking to the skillet, make sure it's heated properly and lightly grease the surface.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the gorditas thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
Gorditas are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the central region of Mexico.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, slightly spicy

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of salsa or guacamole.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tangy, Spicy, Crunchy