Street Food Spotlight: Memelas – A Mexican Foodie’s Dream

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Street Food Spotlight: Memelas – A Mexican Foodie’s Dream

Memelas is a variant of the tortilla but more elongated. Its origin is Mesoamerican and comes from the word “tlaxcalmimilli,” which means long tortilla.

This dish has different variations depending on where it is made.

For example, in Oaxaca, they are made as small dough discs with fresh cheese and spicy sauce topping.

In Puebla, they are usually prepared as an elongated tortilla. When flipping the tortilla, they put the filling: beans, green or red sauce, and fresh cheese.

Other elements are sometimes added, such as huitlacoche, squash blossom, or similar preparation.

In Veracruz, they are eaten with salsa or alone to accompany meals.

Memelas are rich in fiber and a good source of energy.

If accompanied by beans, memelas are even healthier due to their higher amino acid content.

On the other hand, although some of them have a bit of butter, it provides us with several vitamins and minerals, such as B complex, C, iron, and phosphorus, necessary for good health.

Memela, the delicious elliptical tortilla filled with whatever you want

Again, Puebla is one of the states where memelas are most consumed, regardless of social status; without a doubt, it is one of the favorite dishes of Puebla’s people.

In our country, there are many versions of memelas, it all depends on your personal taste.

However, memelas are a more representative dish of Oaxacan and Puebla cuisine. They are corn dough tortillas filled with lard, beans, salsa (to taste), and grated cheese.

Today I want to show you how to prepare delicious memelas with this simple recipe; it is best to have a comal. Take note!

Memelas recipe

Ingredients for six people approx:

• 12 oval corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• Lard to taste
• 6 green tomatoes
• 4 serrano chiles
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ onion, peeled and cut into slices
• Fried beans to taste
• Grated cheese to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup of water

Elaboration:

1. Wash the tomatoes and cut them into cubes
2. Wash the chiles and remove the seeds from the inside
3. Peel the garlic and chop it
4. In a frying pan with a little oil, cook the tomatoes, the chiles, and the garlic. Keep in the pan for about 2 minutes
5. Add the water, tomatoes, chiles, and garlic in a blender. Add salt to taste and stir. Set aside
6. Brown the tortillas on both sides for 1 minute
7. Then, spread the lard on each tortilla and fry them with a little oil so the lard melts. Then, remove it from the pan
8. Next, fill the tortillas with the beans, add the onion, pour the sauce obtained in step 5, and sprinkle with the grated cheese
9. Serve and enjoy!

Have you had memelas? Please share your experience with us.