Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 cup hot tap water
Directions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Incorporate the Lard:
- Add the lard (or shortening) to the flour mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the lard into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is important as it helps to create a flaky texture in the gorditas.
- Add Water and Form Dough:
- Gradually pour in the hot tap water, a little at a time, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. You may not need the entire cup of water, or you may need a little more, depending on the humidity and your flour. The goal is to form a soft but not sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten in the flour, giving the gorditas a good texture.
- Rest the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the dough balls on a tray or back in the bowl, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This resting step allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- Shape and Cook:
- Heat a comal or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. While the comal is heating, take each ball of dough and roll it into a thick circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the rolled dough onto the hot comal and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and puffed. Flip only once to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cool and Prepare for Filling:
- Remove the cooked gorditas from the comal and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once they are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a slit along one side of each gordita, creating a pocket.
- Fill and Serve:
- Fill the pockets of your gorditas with your favorite fillings such as cheese, beans, meats, or vegetables. Popular options include shredded chicken, pork, or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the gorditas warm for the best flavor and texture.
Gorditas are versatile and can be filled with almost anything, making them perfect for any meal of the day. Enjoy crafting your own combinations!
