Gorditas

Yield: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa Harina
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix the Masa Harina, oil, salt and boiling water. Let dough stand for 20 minutes to firm.
2. Shape into round, patty-like cakes, the size of uncooked biscuits.
3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pan and fry them until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
4. To use: Slice a gordita open on the edge, cutting about one-third of the way around it.
5. Repeat with the remaining gorditas.
6. Coat the inside of each gordita with a generous tablespoon of warm refried beans, then spoon in picadillo to fill the gorditas about two-thirds full.
7. Top with lettuce and cheese and serve immediately, accompanied with guacamole and salsa.
8. Fill with green chile sauce, shredded Monterey Jack cheese and avocado slices.
9. Fill with any favorite filling.