Stuffed Tortillas - Tlacoyos

If you thought tortillas are great, wait until you make this authentic Mexican food. Its name is tlacoyo (it's pronounced tlacojo, I know, it's difficult), and it's full of flavour and very versatile.

If you like the flavour of homemade tortillas, you´ll love tlacoyos. If you want to impress a Mexican food lover, make these. It´s not complicated, I'll show you how to make them with basic equipment (no tortilla press needed).

And did you know most Mexican food is gluten free? Corn flour has no gluten at all. Although the problem with store-bought tortillas is that sometimes they add wheat flour even to corn tortillas. So if you are avoiding gluten, but not avoiding delicious food, these tlacoyos are for you.

Cooking oil (I like canola oil)

Corn masa mix

Baking soda

Water

Salt

One can of pinto or black beans

Although tlacoyos can be made with different stuffings the most common ones are: Lima beans, requesón (a Mexican fresh cheese that is somewhat like ricotta cheese) and beans.

This time I'll make them with beans.

Pour the beans into the blender and blend until you have a thick paste.

Make the dough according to the instructions in the packaging.

Mine uses equal parts of flour and water.

It's easier if you combine the dry ingredients first and then add the water. I like to add one teaspoon of baking soda per cup of flour for extra flavour and softness.

Make two ovals the same size and place them in a silicon mat or parchment paper. Cover them with a plastic bag.

With the rolling pin make them flat and 3 mm thick.

Put beans in the centre of one and spread with a spoon.

Place the other on top and press the edges so that they close.

They are cooked in two times, first put them in a hot pan and wait 39-45 seconds, flip them and if they're cooked you'll see the difference in colour.

Once they are all cooked put oil into the pan and fry them. If you want them with fewer calories you can skip the frying.

That's it! They are delicious alone or you can top them with your favourite ingredients, some suggestions:

Sour cream, panela cheese (or feta if you can't find panela) and avocado.

Salsa

Pico de gallo (tomato, onion and cilantro salad)

Guacamole

Shredded chicken breast

Your favourite Mexican dish: alambre, tings, carne asada.