Description
This authentic Mexican recipe for Sopes with Refried Beans and Cheese features soft masa dough discs with raised edges, fried to a golden crisp and topped with creamy refried beans, crumbled queso fresco, fresh crema, and optional garnishes like cilantro and shredded lettuce. Perfect as a flavorful snack or light meal, these sopes are easy to prepare in under an hour and serve 8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups masa harina (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup warm water (adjust as necessary for dough consistency)
- 1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
Toppings
- 2 cups refried beans (homemade or canned variety)
- 1 cup queso fresco (substitute with feta if necessary)
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (interchangeable with any sour cream)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (optional; parsley can be used)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional for added texture)
- To taste salsa or hot sauce (for added flavor)
Frying
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying, can use canola or sunflower oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and warm water. Stir until a soft, pliable dough forms, adding more water if needed to prevent cracking and ensure the dough holds together well.
- Shape the sopes: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each into a disc approximately 3 inches wide, forming the base for the sopes.
- Cook the discs: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook each disc for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned, which will help set their shape before frying.
- Create raised edges: While the discs are still warm and pliable, gently pinch the outer edges to form a shallow rim. This rim will hold the toppings and prevent spills.
- Fry the sopes: In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the formed sopes for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain them thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add the toppings: Spread a generous layer of refried beans over each fried sope, then sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco. Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream, and add fresh cilantro and optional shredded lettuce for freshness and texture.
- Serve: Serve the sopes warm with salsa or hot sauce on the side to add an extra burst of flavor, allowing each diner to adjust the heat to their preference.
Notes
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure the masa harina is labeled gluten-free.
- The frying step can be done in any neutral oil such as canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil.
- If Mexican crema is unavailable, sour cream is a suitable substitute offering a similar tangy richness.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding avocado slices, diced onions, or radishes for added texture and flavor.
- Leftover sopes can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispness but are best enjoyed fresh.
