Authentic Mexican Lamb Gorditas Recipe: A Savory Delight

Ingredients

  • 500g ground lamb
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground lamb. Cook until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the spices are well mixed with the lamb.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten to form a disc.
  5. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook each gordita for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  6. Let the gorditas cool slightly, then cut a slit in the side of each one to form a pocket.
  7. Fill each gordita with a spoonful of refried beans, followed by the lamb mixture.
  8. Top each with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade lamb gorditas.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet will be needed to cook the ground lamb and sauté the onions and spices.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is required to mix the masa harina and water to form the gordita dough.
  • Griddle or Skillet - A griddle or skillet will be used to cook the gorditas until they are golden brown.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Spoon or Spatula - A spoon or spatula will be used to mix the ground lamb with the spices and to fill the gorditas with the lamb mixture.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
  • Mixing Spoon - A mixing spoon will be used to combine the masa harina and water and to mix the gordita dough.
  • Grater - A grater can be used to grate the queso fresco.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground beef or ground chicken instead of lamb.
  • Replace the masa harina with cornmeal for a different texture.
  • Add diced jalapenos or chopped green chilies to the lamb mixture for some extra heat.
  • Include some grated cheese inside the gordita along with the lamb and refried beans.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as paprika, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder to add unique flavors.
  • Try different toppings like guacamole, sliced avocado, pickled onions, or hot sauce.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added freshness.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or a combination of corn flour and rice flour.
  • Make mini gorditas by dividing the dough into smaller portions and shaping them into smaller discs.

Recipe overview

Welcome to the delicious world of Lamb Gorditas! These are a traditional Mexican dish that will bring the taste of Mexico right into your kitchen. Gorditas, which translates to "little fat ones," are thick tortillas made from masa harina. In this recipe, we will stuff the gorditas with a flavorful ground lamb mixture, refried beans, and fresh veggies. The lamb is cooked with traditional spices like chili powder and cumin, offering a kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the refried beans and the freshness of the veggies. Topped with crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa, these Lamb Gorditas are a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're serving them for a family dinner or a festive gathering, they'll be a hit! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and let's get started on this exciting culinary adventure.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb? Yes, you can substitute lamb with ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
  2. Can I make the gorditas ahead of time? Yes, you can make the gorditas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them on a griddle or skillet before filling them with the toppings.
  3. What can I use instead of masa harina? Masa harina is a traditional Mexican corn flour used to make gorditas. If you cannot find it, you can try using cornmeal as a substitute, although the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
  4. Can I add other toppings to the gorditas? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your gorditas with additional toppings such as guacamole, sliced jalapenos, or hot sauce.
  5. Can I freeze the gorditas? Yes, you can freeze the gorditas without the fillings. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each gordita with parchment paper. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating and filling.
  6. Can I use store-bought refried beans? Yes, you can use store-bought refried beans for convenience. However, homemade refried beans often have a richer flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Gorditas, which translates to "little fat ones" in Spanish, are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine. Originating from Northern Mexico, gorditas are typically made using masa dough and are stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings. The beauty of gorditas is in their versatility. From being enjoyed as a simple street food to gracing the tables during big family gatherings, Gorditas have found a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. In this particular recipe, we use lamb as the main protein, but traditionally, gorditas are filled with anything from chilies and cheese to slow-cooked meats, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness that is often associated with Mexican cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.