Description
Tlacoyos are traditional Mexican stuffed masa cakes, offering a delicious and versatile dish filled with savory ingredients like beans, chorizo, vegetables, and cheese. This recipe features a flavorful combination of nixtamalized masa dough encasing various fillings, cooked on a skillet to achieve a crispy golden exterior and soft, flavorful inside. Perfect as a hearty meal or snack, these tlacoyos showcase authentic Mexican street food flavors with customizable fillings and toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Masa Dough
- 2 cups nixtamalized masa
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (or substitute with cooking spray)
Fillings
- 1 cup mashed black beans
- 1 cup fava beans, cooked with garlic and spices
- 1 cup spicy chorizo, mixed with fresh herbs
- 1 cup sautéed vegetables (zucchini or bell peppers)
Toppings
- 1 cup requesón or queso fresco (or dairy-free cheese for vegan option)
- 1 cup nopales, lightly grilled
- 1 cup salsa (such as pico de gallo)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Masa: In a large bowl, mix the nixtamalized masa with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of oil. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth, pliable, and easy to shape. Divide the masa into equal portions suitable for individual tlacoyos.
- Create the Fillings: Select your desired filling—mash black beans and season to taste, cook fava beans with garlic and spices, sauté vegetables until tender, or prepare spicy chorizo mixed with fresh herbs. Allow fillings to cool before use to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Shape the Tlacoyos: Take a portion of masa and flatten it into a thick disk. Create a shallow indent in the center, spoon in the filling, then carefully fold the dough over and shape it into an oval, sealing the filling inside.
- Cook the Tlacoyos: Heat a comal or large skillet over medium heat. Place the shaped tlacoyos on the hot surface and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until the exterior is crispy and golden brown and the masa is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the tlacoyos to a serving plate. Top with lightly grilled nopales, a generous spoonful of salsa (such as pico de gallo), crumbled requesón or queso fresco, and sprinkle with finely chopped cilantro. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings based on your preference and dietary needs, including a vegan-friendly cheese option.
- Light use of oil or cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without excess fat.
- Using a comal or flat skillet mimics traditional cooking methods for authentic taste.
- If masa dough feels dry, sprinkle a little water while kneading to improve pliability.
- Serve tlacoyos fresh and warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
