Mexican > Gorditas

Maple-Walnut Gorditas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup masa harina
- ¾ cup warm water
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Tortilla press (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball into a disk using a tortilla press or a rolling pin.
6. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
7. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the skillet.
8. Cook each gordita for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. In a separate pan, toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
10. Drizzle maple syrup over the toasted walnuts and stir until evenly coated.
11. Spoon the maple-walnut mixture into the center of each gordita.
12. Fold the gordita in half and press the edges together to seal.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings (2 gorditas per serving)

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Total sugars: 9g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Masa harina can be substituted with all-purpose flour or cornmeal.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral-flavored oil.
- Chopped walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar.

Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the maple-walnut mixture for a savory twist.
- Substitute the maple-walnut mixture with a sweet and spicy salsa for a different flavor profile.
- Add crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese to the gorditas before adding the filling.

Tips and tricks:
- If you don't have a tortilla press, you can use a flat-bottomed heavy object to flatten the dough.
- Keep the gorditas warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
- You can make the gorditas ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet before adding the filling.

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

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the gorditas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the gorditas on a platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese

Pairings:
- Mexican-style rice
- Refried beans
- Grilled vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
- Avocado salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Charred corn on the cob

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water.
- If the gorditas are sticking to the skillet, add more oil to the pan.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the gorditas thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Store the gorditas in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Gorditas are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the central region of the country. They are typically made with masa harina and filled with various ingredients such as beans, cheese, and meat.

Flavor profiles:
The maple-walnut gorditas have a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of saltiness from the masa harina.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the gorditas as a main dish or as an appetizer for a party.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Maple, Maple-Flavored