Masa Shells For Sopes Recipes

Steps:

• Whisk masa harina and salt together; stir enough water into mixture until dough is smooth and holds together. Form dough into 2-inch balls. Flatten each ball to a 1/2-inch thick circle.
• Heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or large saucepan.
• Fry dough in the hot oil until sopes are just lightly browned, about 30 seconds per side. Remove sopes with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate; cool just until sopes can be handled. Pinch the edges of each sope together forming little 'boats'. Return to hot oil and fry until golden and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine masa harina and salt; stir in water. Knead until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 16 portions; shape into balls and cover with plastic wrap. , Working between two sheets of plastic wrap, press four balls into 3-1/2-in. circles. On an ungreased griddle, cook dough circles over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes or until bottoms are lightly set. Turn and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; quickly pinch edge of circles to form a 1/2-in. rim. Return to the griddle; cook 2 minutes longer or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks; cover. Repeat with remaining dough., In a small saucepan, combine chicken and 1/2 cup salsa. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. In a large skillet, melt shortening. Cook sopes over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side or until crisp and lightly browned. Remove to paper towels to drain. , To assemble, layer each sope with refried beans, chicken mixture and remaining salsa. Sprinkle with lettuce and queso fresco. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the tortilla dough. Then, form the dough into 16 equal balls and cover with plastic wrap to keep soft. Heat a large skillet over high heat and brush with a few drops of oil. Using a tortilla press, put an 8-inch square of plastic on the bottom of the tortilla press. Place 1 of the dough balls on the center and top with another piece of plastic. Lower the handle and press lightly to form a patty about 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Pick up the sope with one hand and remove the top piece of plastic. Flip the dough onto the other hand. Remove the second piece of plastic and place the patty on the hot skillet. Cook about 1 minute. Turn and cook until light brown on the bottom. (The interior will still be soft.) 2. Remove sope from the heat, and while still hot, pinch up the pale top edge to make a small rim all around. Work fast--the sopes are hot! Put the sope on a plate, cover with plastic and repeat with the remaining sopes. Once you get the hang of it, you can press and bake the sopes quickly. Put the sopes in a sealed plastic bag and store refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Before assembling, the sopes will be fried and filled. To complete and serve, see the recipes for Masa Shells with Chicken and Potatoes or Ground Beef Sopes (see Appetizers and Snacks). From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.