Tlayudas are a traditional Mexican dish that originate from the state of Oaxaca, a region renowned for its rich culinary heritage. These delicious and filling meals are often described as the Oaxacan version of a pizza, but they are so much more than that. Tlayudas are made with a large tortilla, typically about 30cm in diameter, that is first toasted on a comal (a flat griddle) and then topped with a variety of ingredients. The result is a crispy, savory, and satisfying meal that you will definitely want to try.
The History of Tlayudas
Tlayudas have a long history in Mexico, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Originally, they were made with masa, a type of corn dough, and were typically eaten with a variety of fillings. Over time, the dish evolved to include a larger, toasted tortilla as the base, and toppings such as refried beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables were added. Today, tlayudas are a popular street food in Oaxaca and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
How to Make Tlayudas
Making tlayudas is a fairly simple process, but it does require some special ingredients and equipment. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
4 large tortillas
1 cup of refried beans
1 cup of Oaxaca cheese (shredded)
1 avocado (diced)
1 tomato (diced)
1/2 cup of cilantro (chopped)
1/2 onion (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Heat a comal or flat griddle over medium heat. Toast each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are slightly crispy and browned.
- Spread a generous amount of refried beans on each tortilla, leaving about 1cm of space around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beans, followed by the diced avocado, tomato, onion, and jalapeno pepper.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully slide each tlayuda back onto the comal and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the toppings are heated through.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Variations on the Recipe
Tlayudas are a versatile dish, and there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
Add your favorite meat, such as grilled chicken or steak, to the toppings.
Swap out the Oaxaca cheese for queso fresco or another type of Mexican cheese.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as roasted corn or sautéed mushrooms.
Drizzle some salsa or hot sauce over the finished tlayudas for an extra kick of flavor.