As a staple of many Mexican households corn is used in many ways, from tortillas to breakfast cereal. They are naturally low fat, gluten free and sugar free. Gorditas are corn dough cakes made of ground corn, salt and water. Used in many different ways to create many meals. Here's my take on how to make them not only more beautiful but also a bit healthier.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups of Maseca brand ( cornmeal flour)
- 2 cups plus an additional 1/4 cup of very warm water or Vegetable broth may be needed
- 1 Tsp of sea salt (optional)
- Spray bottle filled with water, broth or aqua fava
BLACK BEAN FILLING
1 Cup mashed beans
1 Tsp Garlic powder
1 Tsp Onion powder
1 Tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
1/4 Tsp Black Lime Powder
Salt to taste
*** Preheat a heavy cast iron skillet or flat grill on high heat when you begin to make the dough balls. Lower temperature as you see fit.
******** Preheat Air Fryer to 400°,
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1:
Combining all of the wet ingredients in a small bowl. In a larger bowl add the maseca and salt combine with the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it is incorporated, you will have to add the additional water a little bit at a time. Continue kneading until the dough does not stick to your hands. Make 8 to 10 dough balls, the size of a golf ball. Keep the dough balls covered.
Take the dough and flatten it the size of your palm and make an indent in the center. Fill with 1 Tablespoon of beans or favorite filling. Pinch the edges together to keep the filling inside ( similar to a dumpling ) Gently pat back to a disc. And proceed to flatten to the size of a veggie patty.
STEP 2:
Cut a heavy duty freezer storage bag to be 1" larger than the press. To make the gorditas place a dough ball between the plastic circles and place in the press. Now gently press the handle over the press.
Dough should be about 3" round.
STEP 2-A:
If you don't have a press follow the same steps with the plastic and flatten between the counter and a cutting board.
STEP 3:
Remove the gordita from the plastic by lifting 1 side of the plastic slowly. Once removed place the exposed side on your hand, with the other hand removed the other plastic circle. Carefully place the gordita on the heated skillet. Leave on the skillet for 3 minutes with a flat spatula flip the tortilla on the other side. Leave on heat for 3 - 4 minutes. The gorditas should be toasted and sound hollow when you tap on them. Gently press on the tortilla after you turn it. Gorditas will puff a little. Place it on top of a cotton cloth. Allow them to cool, do not stack them on top of each other.
Cut the gorditas 3/4 of the way open and fill them with the cactus and mushrooms and add the raw slaw.
*** If using Air Fryer
Place in air fryer at 400° for 4 minutes
Toss to make sure that they are not stuck together. Spray lightly with preferred liquid in spray bottle.
Lower heat to 350°/ spray lightly ( At this time, you can season with your favorite powder seasoning, to include salt ) for another 4 minutes.
BLACK BEANS
Add beans and all spices to a deep pot. Stir until well combined. You can nash the beans or leave them whole. Cook as much of the liquid out of the beans as possible.