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Recipes with masa and flour: tamales, gorditas, fry bread and more

Use when someone has masa harina or white flour and wants to make tamales, gorditas, fry bread, sopapillas or other dishes.

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In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. Gorditas
  3. Easy tamales
  4. Fry bread
  5. Flour dumplings for soup or stew

1Before you start

Masa harina (corn flour for tortillas) and white flour are cheap staples that keep a long time.
For basic tortillas, bread and biscuits, see the guide "Wants to make tortillas, bread or biscuits at home".
At the Gospel MissionFlour and other staples sometimes come in Mission food boxes. Ask at the front desk.

2Gorditas

Makes 8. About 30 minutes.
  • 2 cups masa harina, 1 1/4 cups warm water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 spoon oil
  • Fillings: beans, cheese, canned meat, potatoes, chile
  1. Mix masa, salt, oil and water into a soft dough like play dough. Add water if it cracks.
  2. Make 8 balls. Pat each into a thick round, about 1/4 inch.
  3. Cook in a dry hot pan 3-4 minutes a side until spotted brown.
  4. Cut open the side like a pocket and fill.

3Easy tamales

Makes about 18. About 2 1/2 hours.
  • 4 cups masa harina, 3 1/2 cups warm broth or water, 1 cup oil or lard, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups filling: red chile with shredded meat or canned chicken, or beans and cheese
  • Dried corn husks, soaked in hot water 30 minutes
  1. Beat the oil, salt and baking powder. Mix in masa and broth to a soft, spreadable dough.
  2. Spread a thin layer on each husk. Add a spoon of filling. Fold the sides in, then fold the bottom up.
  3. Stand them open end up in a steamer or a pot with a rack and 2 inches of water. Cover with a towel and lid.
  4. Steam about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add water as needed. They are done when the dough pulls away from the husk.

4Fry bread

Makes 8. About 30 minutes.
  • 2 cups flour, 1 spoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, about 3/4 cup warm water or milk
  • Oil for frying
  1. Mix dry things. Stir in water to a soft dough. Rest 10 minutes.
  2. Pat 8 pieces thin, about 1/4 inch. Poke a small hole in the middle.
  3. Fry in 1 inch of hot oil about 1 minute a side until puffed and golden. Drain on paper.

5Flour dumplings for soup or stew

Mix 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt and about 1/2 cup milk. Drop spoonfuls into simmering soup. Cover and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.