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If you are craving authentic Mexican food, sopes are a delicious option to try. Sopes are traditional Mexican corn cakes that are topped with various ingredients, such as beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. While sopes are typically cooked on a griddle or stovetop, you can also make them in the oven for a slightly different twist on the classic dish. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking sopes in the oven.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

To start, you will need to prepare the dough for the sopes. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina (a special type of corn flour), warm water, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, or if it feels too wet, add a bit more masa harina. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Sopes

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After the dough has rested, take a golf ball-sized portion and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Press the ball between your hands to flatten it into a disk shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Next, arrange the disks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake the sopes for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy.

Pro tip: For an extra crispy texture, you can brush the sopes with a small amount of oil or melted butter before baking them.

Step 3: Topping the Sopes

Once the sopes are fully baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Now comes the fun part – topping the sopes! You can get creative and add a variety of toppings, such as refried beans, shredded cheese, diced meat or vegetables, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Arrange the toppings on the sopes to your liking, and serve them warm.

Step-by-step guide to cook sopes in the oven

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious sopes in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina, 1 1/2 cups of warm water, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of golf balls.
4. Place one dough ball in a tortilla press or between two sheets of parchment paper. Press the dough ball to flatten it into a round disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
6. Transfer the flattened dough discs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the sopes are slightly golden and cooked through.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sopes cool for a few minutes.
9. Once cooled, you can add your favorite toppings such as refried beans, shredded chicken or beef, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
10. Serve the sopes immediately and enjoy!

Now you know how to make delicious sopes in the oven. It’s a simple and convenient way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish without frying.

Gather the ingredients

Before you start making sopes in the oven, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you proceed with the next steps.

Preheat the oven

To start cooking sopes in the oven, you need to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This step is important to ensure that your sopes cook evenly and to the right level of doneness.

Step 1: Set the oven temperature

Check the recipe you are using for the specific oven temperature required. Most sopes recipes recommend preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the sopes to bake properly without burning or becoming too crispy.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Turn on your oven and set it to the desired temperature. Allow the oven to preheat fully before placing your sopes inside. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven.

While the oven is preheating, you can start preparing the sopes dough and the filling ingredients. This way, everything will be ready to go once the oven reaches the right temperature.

Prepare the dough

To make sopes dough in the oven, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of masa harina
• 1 1/4 cups of warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands until you get a smooth and pliable dough.

Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is well combined. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water. If it feels too sticky, add a little more masa harina.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes to allow the masa to hydrate.

After the resting time, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls. Use the palm of your hand to flatten each ball into a disk shape, making sure the edges are slightly thicker than the center.

Place the flattened dough disks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Press your thumb in the center of each disk to create a shallow well.

Shape the sopes

Once the masa dough is ready, you can start shaping the sopes. Take a small portion of the dough, about the size of a golf ball, and place it on a clean surface.

Use your hands to press the dough down and shape it into a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Flatten it evenly, making sure it’s not too thick or too thin.

Using your thumbs, create a shallow well in the center of the dough, pushing the edges slightly upward to create a border. This will prevent the filling from spilling out.

Repeat this process with the remaining dough, making sure to leave enough space between each sope on the baking sheet.

Once all the sopes are shaped, transfer them to a greased baking sheet, making sure they are placed in a single layer without touching each other.

Bake the sopes

Once you have prepared the sopes dough and added the desired toppings, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Follow these steps to achieve delicious and crispy sopes:

Preparation

Before baking the sopes, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

Baking the sopes

1. Place the prepared sopes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them for even cooking.

2. Place the baking sheet with the sopes in the preheated oven.

3. Bake the sopes for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

4. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts or kitchen tongs to avoid burns.

Serving

Once the sopes are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite toppings and garnishes, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve them as an appetizer or a main course alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

Enjoy your homemade sopes straight from the oven!

Serve and enjoy

Once the sopes are cooked and ready to be served, it’s time to add the toppings and enjoy your delicious homemade meal. Here are the steps:

1. Toppings

Get creative with your toppings! Some popular options include:

• Refried beans
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce or salsa

2. Assembly

Take each cooked sope and carefully add a layer of refried beans on top. Then, add your desired toppings. You can mix and match or go for a classic combination. Get creative and have fun making each sope unique!

3. Serving

Arrange the finished sopes on a platter or individual plates. Serve them fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture.

Now, it’s time to dig in! Grab a fork or use your hands to enjoy these tasty treats. Sopes make a great appetizer, main course, or even a party snack. Serve them alongside some Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

So go ahead, serve your sopes with pride, and let your taste buds take you on a flavorful journey!

FAQ

What are sopes?

Sopes are traditional Mexican dishes made from a thick corn dough, which is shaped into small round discs and baked or fried. They are then topped with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Can sopes be cooked in the oven?

Yes, sopes can be cooked in the oven. Baking them in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying, and it still results in a crispy texture. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the recipe.

How do you make sopes in the oven?

To make sopes in the oven, start by preparing the corn dough. Shape it into small discs and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the sopes are golden brown and crispy. Then, let them cool before adding your favorite toppings.

What toppings can be added to sopes?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for sopes. You can add cooked meat such as shredded chicken or beef, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped onions, and cilantro. Feel free to customize your sopes with your favorite ingredients.

Are sopes a healthy dish?

Sopes can be a healthy dish depending on the ingredients you use. Baking the sopes instead of frying them reduces the amount of oil, making them a healthier choice. Choosing lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and using minimal amounts of cheese and sour cream can also contribute to a healthier sopes recipe.

What are sopes?

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made with a thick, round corn tortilla topped with various ingredients such as beans, meat, cheese, and salsa.

Can I cook sopes in the oven?

Yes, you can cook sopes in the oven. It’s a convenient and easy method for making sopes, especially if you don’t have access to a stovetop or want to avoid frying.