Masa Snacks Veracruz Style Recipes

MASA SNACKS, VERACRUZ STYLE

Steps:

• 1. Form the masa dough into 18-to-20 equal balls of about 1 ounce each. Using a tortilla press, place a piece of plastic on the open tortilla press, and put 1 masa ball in the center. Lay another piece of plastic on top of the ball. Lower the handle to press into a 3-inch circle. 2. Heat a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Peel the plastic off the masa patty and pan-bake 15 seconds, turn over and cook another 15 seconds. Remove from the pan and quickly pinch up the edge of the partially baked masa to form a tiny rim of about 1/4 inch all around. Cover with a kitchen towel to keep moist. Repeat with the remaining balls. Reserve the shells while preparing the tomato sauce. 3. In a medium skillet, heat the oil and cook the onion, garlic, and serrano chile. In a blender, blend the roasted tomatoes and cilantro. Add to the skillet, and cook until the mixture thickens and is nearly dry. Season with salt. The topping can be made ahead and stored refrigerated up to 2 days. 4. In the same skillet used for cooking the masa patties, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When the oil shimmers, fry the reserved picada shells on both sides until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Top each picada with about 1 tablespoon of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of cheese on top, and serve at once while still warm. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MASA CAKES FROM VERACRUZ

Steps:

• 1. Put the ingredients in a food processor and process until the mixture comes together to form a soft smooth dough. Remove from the processor and knead the dough by hand to test the moistness. The dough should be moist and soft, but should not stick to your hands. If too dry, moisten hands with water and work the dough until it reaches the desired consistency. Put the dough in a plastic bag and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. 2. Heat a comal, griddle, or skillet over medium heat. Flatten egg-size balls of dough--by hand or in a tortilla press--into small cakes 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Cook in a large, dry pan for 3 minutes on each side or until crusty and flecked with brown in spots. Serve bocoles warm. NOTE: To stuff the bocoles: When they are hot off the pan, slit an opening with a small sharp knife and slip in a small thin piece of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or asadero. From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.