Authentic Mexican Memelas Recipe: Homemade Oaxacan Delight

Ingredients

2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of refried beans
2 avocados, sliced
1 cup of queso fresco (fresh cheese), crumbled
1/2 cup of salsa verde
1/2 cup of salsa roja
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix the masa harina and salt together. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and not stick to your hands.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Flatten each ball of dough into a thick disc, about 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter, and cook on the griddle for about 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
While the memelas are still warm, press the edges with your fingers to create a rim. This will hold the toppings.
Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto each memela, leaving the rim uncovered.
Top with a few slices of avocado, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a spoonful of salsa verde or salsa roja, according to preference.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the memelas for about 2 minutes on each side, or until crispy.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the masa harina and water together.
Griddle or Skillet - Used to cook the memelas.
Pan - For frying the memelas to make them crispy.
Spatula - To flip and remove the memelas from the griddle or skillet.
Knife - To slice the avocados and chop the cilantro.
Spoon - To spread the refried beans and scoop the salsa onto the memelas.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of masa harina for a healthier twist.
Add cooked and seasoned ground beef, chicken, or chorizo as a meat topping.
Replace the refried beans with black beans or pinto beans.
Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Include shredded lettuce or cabbage for added freshness.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Oaxaca cheese.
Try different salsas or hot sauces to customize the level of spiciness.
Include chopped tomatoes or diced red onions for extra flavor and texture.
Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

Memelas are a popular street food from Oaxaca, Mexico. They are thick tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, salsa, and often, other ingredients such as avocado and cilantro. This recipe will guide you through how to make your own homemade memelas, a process that involves mixing and cooking a simple masa dough, preparing and adding the toppings, and briefly frying the assembled memelas. The result is a savory, satisfying dish with a wonderful interplay of textures and flavors. Enjoy these memelas as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal. Happy cooking!

Common questions

Can I use regular flour instead of masa harina? No, masa harina is a specific type of corn flour used in traditional Mexican cooking. Regular flour will not produce the same authentic flavor and texture.
How do I know if the dough consistency is right? The dough should be smooth and not stick to your hands. If it feels too dry, add a little more water. If it feels too sticky, add a little more masa harina.
Can I make the memelas ahead of time? Yes, you can make the memelas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet or griddle until warmed through.
Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought salsa if desired. However, making your own salsa adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the memelas.
Can I freeze the memelas? Yes, you can freeze the memelas. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper. Thaw and reheat in a skillet or griddle when ready to eat.
Can I use a different type of cheese? While queso fresco is the traditional cheese used for memelas, you can substitute it with other crumbly cheeses like feta or even shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or Cheddar.

Serving dishes and utensils

Griddle or skillet - Used for cooking the memelas on the stovetop.
Large bowl - To mix the masa harina and salt with warm water to form the dough.
Spoon - Used for spreading the refried beans onto the memelas.
Knife - For slicing avocados and chopping cilantro.
Pan - To fry the memelas until crispy.
Spatula - Helps with flipping and removing the memelas from the pan.
Plate - For serving the prepared memelas.

Origin stories

Memelas are a traditional Oaxacan dish, hailing from the beautiful southern state of Mexico. They're often compared to tortillas, but memelas are thicker and have a rim around the edge to hold their savory toppings. They carry the essence of the Oaxacan people's resourcefulness and creativity, using native corn as the base and showcasing the region's rich variety of fresh, local ingredients as toppings. The name "memela" is thought to derive from the Nahuatl word "memel", meaning "circular or rounded". Enjoy this dish as a way to travel through flavors to the heart of Oaxaca, where the warm sun nourishes the cornfields, and the spirited people craft food that is a testament to their history and heritage.

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.