Gordita is a traditional “antojito” recipe in Mexico. They are super easy to make and you can fill them with various savoury food! join me to make this easy recipe!
What is a “gordita”?
Gordita is a Mexican antojito made from masa harina. You make a masa similar to tortilla masa, but then you chame a circular and thick “tortilla” but a bit smaller. Then you cook it, open it and fill it with savoury food, such as refried beans.
There are many variations around Mexico, I am suggesting to make a “healthy version” by avoiding the need to fry them, but feel free to fry your gorditas! I just really think that there is something very special about gorditas without oil as well!
What is the difference between a chalupa and a gordita?
A bit more of story: gorditas are not chalupas! a lot of people ask me about this because, well, Mexico uses corn for a thousand dishes đ. “Chalupa” is the name of a boat and chalupas have the chape of a boat and are filled also with beans and other things, but nooo they are not gorditas.
Are gorditas and pupusas the same?
Also, gorditas are not pupusas! pupusas is a dish found in El Salvador and Honduras (let’s not start a religious discussion about who made it first, please!), and the filling is stuffed within the pupusa, instead of introduced later like with gorditas. Also, gorditas are not arepas! arepas are commonly found in Venezuela and Colombia, and I think the filling is put before cooking the arepa.
What is the difference between sopes and gorditas?
Sopes tend to be similar but they are not filled, they have the edges shaped similar to “pizzas” because they usually put stuff on top of the sope, like beans, cream, lettuce, etc. Here’s a picture showing Mexican sopes:
Yes, all of these dishes are similar because Latin America has found a 1000 ways of use cornflour! but every country makes the dishes fit in their traditional food and culture :).
What I love about food, is that it brings people together in a way that very few things in life do! so, let’s make gorditas, shall we?
Making gorditas
Get your ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Masa harina. Maseca is best, but I actually used Pan which is also really good!
- 3/4 cup Warm water You may need more, check pictures to get the right consistency
- 1 teaspoon Veggie stock powder Optional
- 3 tbsp Canola oil
Combine the water with the veggie stock, then add the masa harina
Add more water or masa harina if needed, this is how the consistency should look like
Pre-heat a pan at medium-high and add the oil if you are using it!
Shape the gorditas with your hands. You don’t really need a tortillera!
Put the gorditas in a non-stick pan, you probably can fit around 4 hand-sized ones. Using a lid will help so they cook quicker
Let them cook for about 10 minutes. Check them so they don’t burn! and then flip them and leave them to cook for another 10 minutes.
Use a knife and cut them from the center
Add your favorite filling! check the recommendations in the recipe. I love them with refried beans and tofu scramble!
Enjoy!
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do â¤ď¸, it’s:
Very easy and healthy (if you don’t fry them!)
One of the most traditional Mexican recipes!
Super customizable, just add your preferred filling!
If you try this recipe, let us know! leave a comment, rate the recipe or tag a photo on our Instagram or Facebook with the tag #naturalGoodness! Get creative and make it unique, I love to see what you get up to when trying our recipes đ
Gordita
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Masa harina Maseca is best, but check recommendations
- 3/4 cup Warm water You may need more, check pictures to get the right consistency
- 1 teaspoon Veggie stock powder Optional
- 3 tbsp Canola oil
Instructions
- Get your ingredients
- Combine the water with the veggie stock, then add the masa harina
- Add more water or masa harina if needed, this is how the consistency should look like
- Pre-heat a pan at medium-high and add the oil if you are using it!
- Shape the gorditas with your hands. You don't really need a tortillera!
- Put the gorditas in a non-stick pan, you probably can fit around 4 hand sized ones. Using a lid will help so they cook quicker.
- Let them cook for about 10 minutes. Check them so they don't burn! and then flip them and leave them to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Use a knife and cut them from the center
- Add your favorite filling! check the recommendations in the notes. I love them with refried beans and tofu scramble!
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Gorditas are normally fried, but, friends, they honestly taste amazing even without the oil! give them a try!
- You really need a non-stick pan if you are not using oil!
- The veggie stock powder will give them a bit more flavor, but honestly, it is not necessary, there is something magical about fresh-made gorditas anyway!
- Fillings:
- Refried beans
- Tofu scramble
- Vegan chorizo
- Toppings:
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