Aunt Chilada's Mexican Fry Bread (Mexican Fried Gorditas)

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 2/3 cup water or milk
• Oil for frying
• Filling, as desired

Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt, baking powder and shortening; mix until shortening is blended.
2. Add water; mix well.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. Roll dough into a ball; place into a plastic bag. Let rest for 20 minutes.
5. Separate and roll out enough dough to make six 4 to 6 inch thin, flat rounds.
6. In a cast iron skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees F.
7. Place rounds in oil; cook each side 20 to 30 seconds or until light golden brown.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove rounds from skillet; drain on paper towel.
9. Fill with prepared fillings as desired.

Attribution

Chef: Shulammite Alaniz, Aunt Chilada's, Phoenix, Arizona