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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 sopes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) shaped into thick discs with raised edges. They’re pan-fried until golden and topped with refried beans, meat, fresh veggies, cheese, and salsa. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal!


Ingredients

For the Sopes:

  • 2 cups masa harina

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Toppings (adjust to preference):

  • 1 cup refried beans

  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or ground beef

  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce

  • 1/4 cup chopped onion

  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema

  • 1/4 cup salsa (red or green)

  • Fresh cilantro (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add more water a tablespoon at a time.

  2. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll into balls. Flatten each ball into a disc about ¼ inch thick and 3–4 inches wide.

  3. Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each disc for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly browned but not fully crisp.

  4. While still warm, pinch the edges of each disc to form a rim. Be careful—they can be hot!

  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each sope for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  6. Spread refried beans over each sope, then add meat, lettuce, onion, cheese, and a drizzle of crema and salsa. Top with cilantro if using.

  7. Serve warm and enjoy!


Notes

  • You can swap the meat with mushrooms or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian version.

 

  • Sopes can be made ahead and reheated before topping.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sope
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg