Memelitas Recipe

Have you ever imagined the taste of deliciously rich, warm bites of home-cooked goodness? If your taste buds are tingling already, I’ve got a recipe that may just take you around the globe from the comfort of your kitchen. Today, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure into the heart of Mexico with one of my favorites – Memelitas.

What are Memelitas?

Memelitas is a traditional Mexican dish in the country’s central region, specifically in Michoacán. They are a type of antojito, which is a small snack or appetizer typically served as street food. Memelitas are made using masa (corn dough) as the base and are topped with various ingredients.

Memelitas ingredients

For the masa:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn masa flour)
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the toppings:

• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (fresh white cheese)
• ½ cup salsa (green or red, depending on your preference)
• Chopped ingredients for garnish (chopped onions, cilantro, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Masa Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
• Gradually add warm water while kneading the mixture. The goal is to achieve a dough that is soft and pliable but not sticky. Adjust the water or masa if needed to get the right consistency.
• Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into golf ball-sized balls.

2. Flatten the Masa Balls:

• Place a ball of masa between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Gently press down on the ball with a tortilla press or a heavy flat object to flatten it into a thin circle. The size can vary but aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter.

3. Cook the Memelitas:

• Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium heat. Once hot, place the flattened masa circle onto the skillet.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the memelita develops light brown spots and is cooked through. You can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

4. Assemble the Memelitas:

• Once cooked, spread a thin layer of refried beans on top of each memelita.
• Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top of the beans.
• Drizzle salsa over the cheese.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Add chopped onions, cilantro, or any other garnishes you prefer.
• Serve the memelitas hot and fresh. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, but you can make a larger portion for a more substantial meal.

Tips

1. Masa Consistency: Getting the right consistency for the masa dough is crucial. It should be soft and pliable but not overly sticky. Adjust with water or masa harina as needed.
2. Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the memelitas. They should have a slightly crispy exterior with a soft interior.
3. Toppings: While the classic toppings include refried beans, queso fresco, and salsa, you can get creative with your favorite ingredients. Chopped grilled vegetables, shredded meat, or even avocado slices can be great additions.
4. Serving: They are often served with Mexican crema or sour cream for extra richness.
5. Variations: They can also be made with other types of fillings, such as shredded chicken, chorizo, or roasted vegetables.

What to serve with

Memelitas are a delightful Mexican dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be complemented with various side dishes and accompaniments to create a more satisfying meal.

1. Mexican Crema or Sour Cream:

• A dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream adds richness and creaminess to this dish. Drizzle it over the memelitas or serve it on the side for dipping.

2. Guacamole:

• Fresh guacamole, made from ripe avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro, pairs wonderfully with this dish. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors balance out the dish.

3. Salsas:

• Offer a variety of salsas to provide different levels of heat and flavor. You can include options like salsa verde (green salsa) or salsa roja (red salsa) for dipping and adding an extra kick to the dish.

4. Pickled Vegetables:

• Pickled red onions, jalapeños, or other vegetables can provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the dish’s texture. These can be served as a side or a topping.

5. Mexican Rice:

• A side of Mexican Rice, often cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, can round out the meal and add substance. The Rice can absorb the flavors of the memelitas and accompanying toppings.

6. Refried Beans:

• While memelitas are often topped with refried beans, serving extra refried beans on the side can provide an additional source of protein and a familiar Mexican flavor.

7. Fresh Salad:

• A light and refreshing salad can balance the richness of this dish. Choose a salad with crisp vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and avocado, and dress it with a lime vinaigrette.

8. Mexican Street Corn (Elote):

• If you’re looking for a more elaborate side, consider serving elote. Grilled corn on the cob is typically slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

9. Fruit Salsas:

• Experiment with fruit-based salsas like mango or pineapple salsa. These can add a sweet, tangy element that pairs well with savory memelitas.

10. Agua Fresca:

• For a refreshing beverage, serve traditional Mexican agua frescas, such as hibiscus (jamaica), horchata, or tamarind. These fruity and lightly sweetened drinks are great for cooling down your palate.

11. Ceviche:

• If you’re looking for a seafood option, a light and zesty ceviche made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices can be a fantastic side dish.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Don’t be afraid to whip up a batch of memelitas, whether you’ve got a Mexican fiesta planned or not. Let us know how they turned out for you if you’re willing and able!

More Mexican Dishes:

• TABLITAS RECIPE
• PAPAS LOCAS RECIPE
• CHUY’S BOOM BOOM SAUCE RECIPE
• SABANA DE RES RECIPE
• BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO SAUCE RECIPE

Memelitas

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 705 calories 37 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (corn masa flour)
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (fresh white cheese)
• ½ cup salsa (green or red, depending on your preference)
• Chopped ingredients for garnish (chopped onions, cilantro, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Masa Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
• Gradually add warm water while kneading the mixture. The goal is to achieve a dough that is soft and pliable but not sticky. Adjust the water or masa if needed to get the right consistency.
• Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into golf ball-sized balls.

2. Flatten the Masa Balls:

• Place a ball of masa between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Gently press down on the ball with a tortilla press or a heavy flat object to flatten it into a thin circle. The size can vary but aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter.

3. Cook the Memelitas:

• Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium heat. Once hot, place the flattened masa circle onto the skillet.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the memelita develops light brown spots and is cooked through. You can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

4. Assemble the Memelitas:

• Once cooked, spread a thin layer of refried beans on top of each memelita.
• Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top of the beans.
• Drizzle salsa over the cheese.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Add chopped onions, cilantro, or any other garnishes you prefer.
• Serve the memelitas hot and fresh. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, but you can make a larger portion for a more substantial meal.