Gordita

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A common Hispanic snacking bread that serves as a sandwich wrap or an open-faced sandwich such as a corncake paddy. As a wrap, the Gordita is slit to open the inside similar to a small version of "pocket" bread. As an open-face bread, fillings are placed on the surface, similar to an English muffin. Very popular in Mexican cooking, the Grodita bread begins as corn-based dough (masa) mixed with water that is formed into a small round tortilla approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, making it a "plump" tortilla unlike the thinner and wider versions of tortillas. When ready to be prepared, the Gordita dough is griddle or skillet baked for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. The top and bottom of the Gordita bread is cooked but the sides remain slightly uncooked so if a pocket sandwich is desired, a knife can be inserted later to open up the outside edge of the Gordita, like a pita pocket bread. Some suggest pinching the outer edges together so it helps the edges to remain closed except for around the area where the opening is to be made for the food contents. If the Gordita bread has been purchased as a packaged food, it may have already been precooked so it only requires cooking it once just prior to adding the fillings, either inside or outside.

The next step requires preparing foods that are to be placed into the Gordita bread, which may be the traditional, shredded beef, onions and chiles or any other tasty ingredients such as poultry, cheese, vegetables, or guacamole mixtures. However, prior to filling, the Gordita bread is baked in a saucepan or a skillet containing 1/2 inch of oil to be fried first on one side for 10 to 20 seconds before being turned to fry the other side. The intent is to achieve a crispy outside shell while the inside remains somewhat moist and flaky. As it cooks in the oil, the Gordita puffs up becoming plump and fat, which is the origin of the Gordita name meaning "little fat one" in Spanish.

In addition to the bread-wrapped version, variations of the Gordita may also be made as a plump patty, using masa harina (corn flour) as the base ingredient. The patty is then often topped with additional fresh ingredients such as bits of peppers, lettuce and/or salsa. Often sold by street vendors as a small sandwich, the Gordita is a versatile food that can be served as a snack, an appetizer or as a main meal with a variety of different ingredients.