Teresa's Recipes
Prietas
Prietas are a delightful traditional Mexican dish that combines the rich flavors of corn masa dough with a savory beef filling, creating a delicious half-moon shaped treat. Often enjoyed as a snack or during festive gatherings, these prietas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for dipping in salsa or sour cream. Their origins lie in the heart of Mexico, where they showcase the importance of masa in Mexican cuisine and the creativity of home cooks across generations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Corn masa flour
- 1 cup (adjust as needed) Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons (for frying) Cooking oil
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup (cheddar or your choice) Shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup (for serving) Sour cream
- 1 cup (for serving) Salsa
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn masa flour, water, and salt. Mix until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Adjust water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the cooking oil. Once heated, add the ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Take one portion of the dough and flatten it into a circle, about 4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese in the center of the dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for added security.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling until all prietas are formed.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the prietas for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the prietas hot with salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for garnish.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, for varied flavors.
- Make sure to keep the dough moist while you work to prevent it from cracking.