Grilled Memelas with Hearty Toppings
Grilled Memelas are a delightful variation of traditional sopes or huaraches, featuring thin, crispy masa cakes that serve as the perfect canvas for a variety of savory toppings. These versatile treats are typically adorned with refried beans, vibrant salsa, fresh cabbage, creamy guacamole, and crumbled cheese. With endless possibilities for customization, you can mix and match toppings to suit your taste, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a quick snack. Whether served at a family gathering or a casual get-together, these memelas are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and textures.
16
Servings
112.5
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
1 lb (Broil until charred, peel, and core.)
Fresh Serrano Chilies
2 (Broil until charred, peel.)
Jalapeno Chile or Pickled Nacho Jalapenos
1 or 2 (Broil if fresh; slice if pickled.)
Chopped White Onions
2 tablespoons (Chop.)
Salt
1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking.)
Chopped Fresh Coriander
1/4 cup (Chop.)
Masa Harina
2 cups (For dough.)
Water
1 1/3 cups (For dough.)
Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese or Panuelo Mexican Cheese
10 ounces (Crumble for topping.)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Sauce: Broil the tomatoes and fresh chilies on a baking sheet about 2-3 inches from the heating element. Roast until charred on both sides, then remove them from the oven. Peel the tomatoes and chilies, core the tomatoes, and puree them with chopped onion in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt.
2
Cook the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour a small amount of the sauce into the pan, allowing it to bubble up. Gradually add the remaining sauce, cooking it until it thickens, about 2-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh coriander and set aside.
3
Prepare the Memelas Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 1/3 cups of water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
4
Form the Memelas: Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece between sheets of parchment paper into oval shapes approximately 3 inches by 4 inches thick.
5
Cook the Memelas: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the memelas in batches of 3-4, cooking until lightly golden on each side—about 2-3 minutes per side. If desired, shape the memelas into little dishes with raised edges as they cook.
6
Add Toppings: Once cooked, sprinkle crumbled cheese on each memela and spoon the prepared sauce over the top. Place the memelas on a baking tray and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has softened and melted.
7
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the memelas from the oven, and add your choice of additional toppings such as shredded cabbage and guacamole before serving.
Nutrition Information
5.6
Fat
13.1
Carbs
3.8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Memelas?
Grilled Memelas are thin, crispy masa cakes that serve as a base for savory toppings like beans, salsa, and cheese, similar to sopes or huaraches.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 16 individual servings.
What ingredients are needed for the memela dough?
The dough is made from 2 cups of masa harina, 1 1/3 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of cheese can be used for the toppings?
You can use Queso Fresco, Feta cheese, or Panuelo Mexican cheese.
How do you prepare the sauce for the memelas?
Broil tomatoes and chilies until charred, peel them, then puree with onion and cook in olive oil until thickened.
Is this Grilled Memelas recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is labeled as vegetarian.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
How long should the memelas be fried?
They should be fried for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Are memelas customizable?
Yes, you can mix and match toppings such as refried beans, vibrant salsa, fresh cabbage, and guacamole to suit your taste.
What shape should the memelas be?
They should be rolled into oval shapes approximately 3 inches by 4 inches.
At what temperature should the memelas be baked?
The memelas should be heated in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the memelas need to stay in the oven?
They only need to stay in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has softened and melted.
Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use 1 or 2 pickled nacho jalapeños as a substitute for fresh jalapeño chilies.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes and chilies?
Yes, after broiling them until charred, you should peel the skins off before pureeing.
What type of oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the sauce.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 3.8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the recommended texture for the memelas?
The goal is to achieve thin, crispy masa cakes.
Are memelas similar to other Mexican dishes?
They are described as a delightful variation of traditional sopes or huaraches.
What makes memelas a good choice for lunch?
Their versatility and satisfying combination of flavors and textures make them an ideal quick lunch or snack.
How much fat is in each memela?
Each serving contains 5.6 grams of fat.
How do you thicken the tomato sauce?
The sauce is thickened by cooking it in a frying pan over medium-high heat for 2-5 minutes.
What is the ratio of water to masa harina?
The ratio is 1 1/3 cups of water to 2 cups of masa harina.
How many chilies are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 fresh serrano chilies and 1 or 2 jalapeño chilies.
Does the recipe include fresh herbs?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander is stirred into the sauce.
What final toppings are suggested after baking?
Shredded cabbage and guacamole are suggested as additional toppings before serving.
Should the tomatoes be cored?
Yes, the tomatoes should be cored after being charred and peeled.
Is a food processor necessary?
Yes, a food processor is used to puree the roasted vegetables with onion until smooth.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of chopped white onions.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13.1 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I form the memelas into dishes?
Yes, you can shape them into little dishes with raised edges while they are cooking in the pan.