Baked Masa Sopes with Zucchini and Corn Medley
These delightful Baked Masa Sopes with Zucchini and Corn Medley provide a flavorful, vegetarian twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. A versatile appetizer, these small round tartlet-like cakes made from masa harina are baked to golden perfection instead of frying, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying option for your next gathering. The vibrant filling—featuring zucchini, sweet corn, and black beans—is complemented by aromatic spices and fresh cilantro, making it both nutritious and delicious. Perfectly topped with a sprinkle of cheese, Pico de Gallo, or spicy lime juice, these sopes are ideal as elegant appetizers or a stunning entree when served as a trio.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Masa Harina
3 cups (None)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (Optional)
Baking Powder
1.5 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Large Egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
1 cup (None)
Small Onion
1 (Chopped (approximately 1 cup))
Garlic Cloves
6 (Peeled and thinly sliced)
Medium Zucchini
2 (Cut into 1/2 inch cubes (approximately 2 cups))
Corn Kernels
1/2 cup (None)
Cooked Black Beans
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (None)
Chili Powder
to taste (For sprinkling)
Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese
1/2 cup (Optional, crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the masa harina, parmesan cheese (if using), baking powder, and salt.
3
Gradually stir in 2.5 cups of hot water until the mixture forms a soft dough. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the beaten egg and vegetable oil into the dough and mix until well combined.
5
Divide the dough into 24 equal portions, rolling each into a ball, and then press each ball into a 3-inch disk on the prepared baking sheets. Pinch any cracked edges to seal and create a small indentation in the center using a drinking glass. Shape a 1/2-inch raised edge around the indentation with your fingers.
6
Bake the sopes for about 10 minutes, or until they start to look dry. Remove them from the oven and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of grated Monterey Jack cheese into each indentation. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sopes are lightly golden.
7
While the sopes are baking, prepare the Zucchini-Corn Filling. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic, sautéing for about 7 minutes until softened.
8
Stir in the zucchini and corn, cooking for an additional 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
9
Mix in the black beans and cook for 2 minutes more before removing from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
10
Once the sopes have cooled slightly, spoon the Zucchini-Corn Filling into each indentation and sprinkle with chili powder, enjoying with optional crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Masa Sopes with Zucchini and Corn Medley?
They are small, round, tartlet-like cakes made from masa harina that are baked and topped with a savory vegetable filling.
How many sopes does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 equal portions.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much masa harina is required?
You will need 3 cups of masa harina.
What ingredients are used for the masa dough?
The dough consists of masa harina, optional parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt, hot water, a large egg, and vegetable oil.
How much hot water should be added to the masa?
Gradually stir in 2.5 cups of hot water.
How long should the masa dough rest?
The dough should rest for 5 minutes after mixing in the hot water.
How do you shape the sopes?
Roll the dough into balls, press into 3-inch disks, use a drinking glass to create a center indentation, and pinch a 1/2-inch raised edge.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the sopes for about 10 minutes until they look dry.
What kind of cheese is added to the sopes during baking?
2 teaspoons of grated Monterey Jack cheese are added to each indentation.
How long do the sopes bake after adding the cheese?
An additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sopes are lightly golden.
How many garlic cloves are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced.
How long should you sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them in vegetable oil for about 7 minutes until softened.
What is the size of the zucchini cubes for the filling?
The zucchini should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
How long does it take to cook the zucchini and corn?
They should be cooked for an additional 7 minutes until tender.
What type of beans are included in the medley?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cooked black beans.
When are the cilantro and lime juice added?
They are stirred in after the filling has been removed from the heat.
What spices are used for seasoning?
Salt is used in the dough, and chili powder is sprinkled on top to taste.
Is this recipe fried?
No, these sopes are baked as a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it features a zucchini, corn, and black bean filling with no meat.
What are the optional toppings?
Optional toppings include crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, Pico de Gallo, and spicy lime juice.
How much parmesan cheese goes into the dough?
1/4 cup of parmesan cheese can be added as an optional ingredient.
Can these be served as a main dish?
Yes, while they are great appetizers, they can be served as an entree in a trio.
How much corn is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of corn kernels.
How much lime juice is used?
The filling uses 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
What is the role of baking powder in the dough?
1.5 teaspoons of baking powder are used to help the masa texture.
How do you prepare the onion?
One small onion should be chopped, yielding approximately 1 cup.
What kind of vegetable oil is recommended?
Standard vegetable oil is used for both the dough and sautéing.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the final step before serving?
Spoon the zucchini-corn filling into each indentation and sprinkle with chili powder.