Gordita al Pastor with Sour Cream and Lettuce (1 Hr, 10 Mins)

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The Gordita al Pastor is a delightful and traditional Mexican dish that boasts a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This dish features a thick, homemade corn tortilla, stuffed with succulent and flavorfully marinated al pastor pork. The pork, marinated in a blend of chilies, spices, and pineapple, offers a tantalizing balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Complemented with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of Mexican cheese, and fresh lettuce, this gordita is a satisfying and authentic taste of Mexican cuisine. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, it’s a dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food to your kitchen.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
  • Yield: 4–6 gorditas 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Gorditas:

  • 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Al Pastor Pork:

  • 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 2 guajillo chilies, seeded and soaked
  • 2 ancho chilies, seeded and soaked
  • 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste

For topping:

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded Mexican cheese
  • Shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Al Pastor Marinade (15 minutes): Blend guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies, garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, and salt until smooth. Marinate pork in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make Gordita Dough (10 minutes): Mix masa harina, warm water, and salt to form a dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook Pork (15 minutes): Cook marinated pork in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
  4. Form and Cook Gorditas (20 minutes): Divide dough into balls and flatten into thick tortillas. Cook on a hot griddle until golden on both sides. While hot, slice halfway through to form a pocket.
  5. Assemble Gorditas (5 minutes): Stuff gorditas with cooked al pastor pork, top with sour cream, Mexican cheese, and lettuce.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Serve immediately, accompanied by salsa or guacamole if desired.

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, take the time to marinate the pork as long as possible, ideally overnight. When cooking the gorditas, ensure they are golden and crispy on the outside but still soft inside.

The addition of pineapple pieces to the pork while cooking can add an extra layer of sweetness and complement the spices.

Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite additions like diced tomatoes, avocados, or a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 gordita
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Pair this with...

Mexican Refried Beans

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of lard or vegetable oil until soft. Add pre-cooked beans (canned works too!), mashing them while they fry. Season with a dash of cumin, salt, and maybe a pinch of chili powder for some kick. Once they're beautifully creamy and slightly caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish. The final touch? A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top – think cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco – which will melt into gooey perfection from the beans' warmth.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans, then combine it with a cup of sweet corn (frozen and thawed works great, or fresh off the cob). Dice up a ripe tomato, a red pepper, and a red onion for some juicy crunch. For that herbal freshness, chop up a handful of cilantro and toss it in. Mix everything in a large bowl and give it a good stir. For dressing, squeeze the juice of one lime, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix it all up, and voila!

Refreshing Sweet Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black tea, which will provide a rich, robust base. Brew your tea a touch stronger than you'd usually have it hot, as the addition of ice and sugar will mellow its depth. While the tea steeps, prepare a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in warm water until you have a clear, sweet liquid. Once the tea has cooled slightly, combine it with your simple syrup in a pitcher, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Allow the tea to chill in the fridge, intensifying its flavors. When ready to serve, pour the tea over a glass filled with ice, perhaps adding a lemon slice or a spring of mint for a zesty accent.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Penne with Spicy Chicken Sausage (25 Minutes)

Baked Beans with Fluffy Potato Cakes (30 Minutes)

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