Gorditas Come to America

Featured Cookbook:

Gourmet Gringo "Gourmet Gringo" introduces "Gringo-Mex", traditional Mexican cooking for the American kitchen. More Cookbooks

Taco Bell has introduced the gordita to America...Or have they?

The Taco Bell gordita has beaten the Whopper, an American staple in taste tests.  The gordita dog now graces more teenage T's than the Budweiser frogs.  Most importantly, my husband is addicted and I can't get the smell out of the car.

In Mexico gordita means "fat little one."  The stuffed, fried potato (or corn) tortilla is served like the Wendy's pita.  To create your own easy gordita, follow these directions.  Please keep in mind that gorditas generally have thicker tortillas than those you will find in the store.

1. Use your favorite basic corn tortilla recipe to create thick corn tortillas.
2. Fry in just enough oil to cover the tortilla. Fry long enough to crisp the outer edges, but leave soft innards to your tortilla.
3. Drain briefly--gorditas are best served with warm tortillas--and slice like pocket bread--right through the center..
4. Fill with your choice of meat--taco or sausage mixtures work well.
5. Top with lettuce, onions, salsa, sour cream, guacamole--use your imagination.

What's your favorite gordita recipe?  What do you think of the Taco Bell gordita?  One reader claims the best gorditas are found at El Mercado in San Antonio Texas. Where do you find them when you eat out?   Let me know!

Previous Features