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Gordas de frijol negro
Black bean masa cakes
Veracruz puffed masa cakes with black beans kneaded into the dough
In the Sotavento region of southern Veracruz, around Tlacotalpan and Los Tuxtlas, cooks knead well-fried black beans straight into the corn masa, so the little cakes come out speckled grey-black, then fry them until they puff up like balloons. Gordas de frijol are a supper snack from street stalls and fiesta tables, split and topped with salsa, chopped onion and, for a non-vegan version, a crumble of fresh cheese. Avocado leaf in the beans gives a faint aniseed note. Chef's tip: the beans must be very thick and cooled; warm, wet beans make a sticky dough that will not puff.
- Total time
- 40 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 9 oz thick refried black beans, made with oilcooled
- 1 dried avocado leaf (optional)toasted and crumbled
- 9 oz masa harina
- ¾ cup warm waterapproximately
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
To serve
- ½ white onionfinely chopped
- 1 avocadodiced
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Mash 9 oz thick refried black beans, made with oil until very smooth, with 1 dried avocado leaf if using. Mix with 9 oz masa harina and ¾ tsp salt, then add ¾ cup warm water a little at a time, kneading, until you have a soft, smooth, dark dough that does not stick to your hands. You may not need it all.
Step 2: Divide into 12 balls and press each into a round 8 cm across and about 7 mm thick. Keep them covered with a cloth so they do not dry out.
Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil for frying in a deep pan to 350°F, or until a pinch of dough sizzles at once and rises. Fry 3 gordas at a time for 1–2 minutes a side, spooning hot oil over the top, until they puff up and the surface is crisp. Common mistake: oil that is too cool; they soak up oil and stay flat.
15 minStep 4: Drain on kitchen paper. Split each one open at the side like a pocket, or simply top it, with ¾ cup salsa roja or salsa verde, ½ white onion and 1 avocado. Serve hot.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 420 kcal
- Protein
- 11 g
- Carbs
- 52 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fibre
- 11 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does gordas de frijol negro take?
- About 40 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of thick refried black beans, made with oil?
- Kidney or pinto beans, same amount.
- What can I use instead of white onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
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