Tortillas de Maíz con Queso y Hogao
These savory corn tortillas are a popular street food and breakfast item in Ecuador. Made with pre-cooked corn flour, they are filled with cheese and served with a flavorful hogao (tomato and onion sofrito).
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa)
- 2 cups Warm water(plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter or lard(melted)
- 1 cup Grated cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella)
- For the Hogao:
- 2 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 1/2 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tbsp Achiote oil (annatto oil)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the hogao: In a small saucepan, heat the achiote oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture is saucy, about 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the tortilla dough: In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked corn flour, salt, and melted butter. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if too wet, add a bit more corn flour.
💡 Tip: The dough should not be sticky. - 3
Form the tortillas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center of half of the disks. Cover with the remaining disks and press the edges firmly to seal, forming a stuffed tortilla.
- 4
Cook the tortillas: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the tortillas for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. If stuffed, ensure the cheese is melted.
- 5
Serve: Serve the warm tortillas immediately with a generous spoonful of hogao on top or on the side.
💡 Tip: These are best served fresh off the griddle.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add a pinch of sugar to the tortilla dough for a slight sweetness.
- ✓Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling.
- ✓For a spicier hogao, add a finely chopped chili pepper.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with a side of fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to the hogao.