Authentic Oaxacan Tlayudas: A Mexican Culinary Journey

Ingredients

  • 2 large tlayudas (also known as Oaxacan tortillas)
  • 1 cup of black bean puree
  • 2 cups of Oaxaca cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup of chorizo, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 large white onion, sliced into rings
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup of salsa
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of lard or vegetable oil on one side of each tlayuda.
  3. Place the tlayudas oil-side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until they start to become crispy. Be careful not to let them burn.
  4. While the tlayudas are in the oven, start heating the black bean puree in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  5. Remove the tlayudas from the oven and spread a layer of the warm black bean puree on the top side of each one.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca cheese evenly over the black bean puree on each tlayuda.
  7. Distribute the cooked chorizo evenly over the cheese on each tlayuda.
  8. Return the tlayudas to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned.
  9. While the tlayudas are baking, saute the sliced onions in a small amount of lard or oil until they are soft and translucent.
  10. Remove the tlayudas from the oven and top with the sauteed onions, sliced avocados, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomatoes.
  11. Sprinkle a little salt over the top of each tlayuda, to taste.
  12. Serve the tlayudas hot, with salsa and lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - To bake the tlayudas in the oven.
  • Small saucepan - To heat the black bean puree.
  • Spatula - To spread the lard or vegetable oil on the tlayudas.
  • Knife - To slice the onions, avocados, and tomatoes.
  • Frying pan - To cook the chorizo and saute the onions.
  • Oven - To bake the tlayudas and melt the cheese.
  • Measuring cup - To measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Cutting board - To chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Grater - To shred the Oaxaca cheese.
  • Tongs - To handle the tlayudas when removing them from the oven.

Recipe variations

  • Use corn tortillas instead of tlayudas for a different crust.
  • Replace the black bean puree with refried beans for a variation in flavor.
  • Try different types of cheese such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack instead of Oaxaca cheese.
  • Substitute chorizo with grilled chicken or seasoned ground beef for a meaty alternative.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the chorizo and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
  • Add sliced jalapenos or other spicy peppers for an extra kick of heat.
  • Experiment with different salsas such as salsa verde or chipotle salsa.
  • Include toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or crumbled queso fresco for added flavor and texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.
  • Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tlayudas before serving for a tangy twist.

Recipe overview

Tlayudas are a beloved street food from Oaxaca, Mexico, often referred to as Mexican pizza. They are made using a large, thin, crispy tortilla topped with various ingredients such as black bean puree, Oaxaca cheese, chorizo, and a colorful assortment of fresh produce. In this recipe, we'll guide you step by step in creating your own tlayudas at home. Expect to bake and assemble the tlayudas, prepare a variety of toppings including black bean puree, chorizo, and sauteed onions, and garnish with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados. Finally, you'll serve your tlayudas with salsa and lime wedges for a tangy kick. This dish is perfect for those seeking a hearty and flavorful meal, and it's a fun way to explore a new cuisine. Enjoy the process and let your kitchen be filled with the delicious aromas of Oaxacan street food.

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular tortillas instead of tlayudas?
    Yes, you can substitute regular tortillas for tlayudas if you cannot find them. However, tlayudas have a unique texture and flavor that adds to the authenticity of the dish.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese?
    If you cannot find Oaxaca cheese, you can use a combination of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese as a substitute. It will provide a similar stretchy texture and mild flavor.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chorizo?
    Certainly! If you're not a fan of chorizo, you can use grilled chicken, shredded pork, or even sautéed mushrooms as a vegetarian option.
  4. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
    Absolutely! You can omit the chorizo and add grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms as a delicious vegetarian alternative.
  5. Can I make the black bean puree from scratch?
    Yes, you can make the black bean puree from scratch by soaking and cooking black beans until tender, then blending them until smooth. Alternatively, you can use canned black beans and blend them with a little water or broth.
  6. Can I prepare the tlayudas in advance?
    While it's best to assemble and bake the tlayudas just before serving to maintain their crispiness, you can prepare the individual components in advance. Store them separately and assemble them right before baking.
  7. What other toppings can I add to the tlayudas?
    Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some popular additions include pickled jalapenos, cotija cheese, cilantro, and sour cream.
  8. How spicy is this dish?
    The spiciness of the dish will depend on the heat level of the chorizo and salsa you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for a mild chorizo or use a mild salsa.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to place and bake the tlayudas in the oven.
  • Small saucepan - Used to heat the black bean puree.
  • Spatula - Needed to spread the black bean puree, cheese, and chorizo on the tlayudas.
  • Small frying pan - Used to saute the sliced onions.
  • Knife - Needed to slice the onions, avocados, and tomatoes.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for slicing the vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Oven mitts - Essential for safely handling the baking sheet and tlayudas when removing them from the oven.
  • Serving platter - Used to present and serve the finished tlayudas.
  • Serving utensils - Such as tongs or a spatula, to transfer the tlayudas from the baking sheet to the serving platter.

Origin stories

Tlayudas, often referred to as Mexican pizza, hail from the heart of Oaxaca, a region rich in culinary and cultural heritage located in southern Mexico. These large, thin, partially dried tortillas are a staple in Oaxacan cuisine and are typically topped with refried beans, Oaxaca cheese, strips of meat, and a rainbow of vegetables. The name "Tlayuda" comes from the Nahuatl word "tlaoyohual", which means "maize tortilla dish". Despite their pizza-like appearance, their preparation and taste are distinctly Oaxacan. The tortillas are traditionally baked on a clay comal over a wood fire, giving them their characteristic smoky flavor. Be it a late-night snack or a shared meal, Tlayudas are a beloved part of Oaxaca's vibrant street food scene.

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.