Mexican Refried Bean & Salsa Gorditas

For those of you who know what "Gordita" means... hee hee... it means "Chubby One".  The "authentic" recipe has WAY more fat... I made these a bit lower in fat.

MEXICAN REFRIED BEAN & SALSA GORDITAS

2 Cups Masa

1 1/4 - 1 1/2 Cups of Warm Water

1 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Masa is finely ground Corn Flour and can be found in most Grocery Stores in the "Ethnic" or "Hispanic" section of the store. I used homemade refried beans and added Salsa and Cheese.  I chill the beans overnight... it is easier to work with cold beans.

Add the baking soda and the salt. Add water slowly. You want a moist masa ball... but not sticky.  Do not add all the water... a little at a time. Let the masa rest for a few minutes covered with Plastic Wrap to avoid drying.

Roll the masa into a long log... I do this to divided the dough evenly... you will see me do this often.

I flatten out the dough and make a slight well in the center.

I scoop the refried beans and work the masa around and over.

You "should" end up with a disk filled with goodness.

I lightly grease a VERY HOT skillet and cook on both sides until golden brown.

This are delicious.... I was going to take a nice picture... garnished with some shredded lettuce and tomato... drizzled with Sour Cream and some Salsa... but... my kids ravished. Sorry :(