The Huarache is made of masa harina (corn flour) with mashed beans placed in the center before being given an oblong shape, similar to a sandal (huarache in Spanish) topped with sauce, onions, cilantro, any kind of protein like meat, and then finished with fresh cheese and sometimes avocado, or lettuce.
Huaraches are often paired with fried cactus leaves called nopales.
This dish is more popular in its hometown of Mexico City, where it originated in the 1930s, but we tasted it twice in Isla Mujeres.
Below are photos of both.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 10 pieces
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz masa harina (corn flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- to taste salt
- 1 1/4 cups refried beans
- 1/2 onion
- to taste cilantro
- 5.3 oz fresh cheese
- 14.1 oz beef steak (cut into pieces)
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- to taste ground cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
Steps
For the dough:
• Combine masa harina, salt, and water in a bowl.
• Knead for 2 minutes until you get a smooth, non-sticky dough.
• Heat a griddle or comal over medium heat.
• Divide the dough into 10 portions and keep them covered with a damp cloth.
• Using your hands and a smooth surface, create a log (6×1.5 inches).
• Place the log between 2 sheets of plastic and use a heavy plate to flatten it.
• Use your hands to shape the dough into the typical sandal shape.
• Peel off the top sheet and flip the huarache onto your hand.
• Remove the last sheet and place the huarache on the hot griddle.
• Cook for a minute, then carefully flip it and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat the steps until all the masa dough is used and keep the huaraches wrapped in a cloth to keep them warm and soft.For the meat:
• Heat the oil in a pan and add the meat. Season with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes
• Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent and the meat is well cooked (approximately 10 minutes).• Place a huarache on a plate and spread a tablespoon of refried beans (recipe) in an elongated shape similar to a sandal.
• Top with chopped onions, cilantro, avocado or lettuce, guacamole salsa or sour cream, and finally cheese.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is Masa harina?
Flour obtained from the fine grinding of white corn, a particular variety characterized by a marginal content of colored pigments (carotenoids).
