Sopes de carne

sopes_de_carne

Sopes de carne is a traditional Mexican dish that is enjoyed by many throughout the world. It is a delicious, filling meal that can be served either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sopes are similar to tortillas but they are thicker and smaller, making them perfect for holding meat, cheese, vegetables, and other fillings. In this particular recipe, we’ll be using beef as the main protein, but chicken or pork can also be used as per your preference.

The origins of sopes can be traced back to the indigenous tribes of Mexico, who used maize as their primary grain for making bread. Their diet mainly consisted of corn, beans, chili peppers, and other vegetables. Over time, the cuisine evolved and became more complex with the addition of different types of meats, spices, and ingredients which has diversified the food culture of Mexico.

The texture and flavour of sopes are unique and come from the combination of masa harina (corn flour) and water. This mixture is then rolled into small shapes, flattened slightly, and lightly fried. This creates a crispy base that can hold a variety of toppings. The toppings can range from simple items such as beans and cheese, to more complex ingredients such as shredded beef and salsa.

Sopes de carne is a dish that is easy to make and perfect for any meal. The beef can be cooked in a variety of ways such as grilling, braising, or slow cooking. The best cuts of beef to use for this dish are those that are tender and flavourful, such as sirloin or flank steak. To add even more flavour to the beef, it can be marinated beforehand in a variety of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic.

The toppings for sopes de carne are also a crucial element to consider while making this dish. It is a good idea to have a combination of fresh and cooked toppings to add depth and complexity to the flavour. Some of the toppings that are commonly used include refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, crumbled cheese, and salsa.

To assemble the sopes, the base is first topped with a layer of refried beans followed by the cooked beef. This is then topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, and crumbled cheese. The final touch to the dish is a drizzle of salsa, which brings together all the different flavours and textures.

In conclusion, sopes de carne is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a hearty dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its unique texture and combination of flavours, it is no wonder that sopes are a popular dish throughout Mexico and other parts of the world. So, next time you’re in the mood for some delicious Mexican food, try making sopes de carne and see why it’s such a beloved dish!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of masa harina
  • 1 ½ cups of water
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 lb of ground beef
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 ½ cups of refried beans
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup of queso fresco
  • ½ cup of salsa
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, water, and salt. Knead the dough until it forms a soft ball. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the bell pepper, tomato, and jalapeño pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

  4. Add the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Set aside.

  5. Divide the masa dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disk that is about ¼ inch thick.

  6. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the masa disks and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

  7. Heat the refried beans in a microwave or on the stove.

  8. Top each masa disk with a spoonful of refried beans, a spoonful of the beef and vegetable mixture, shredded lettuce, queso fresco, avocado, and salsa.

  9. Serve immediately and enjoy!