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Huastec Bocoles

Authentic thick corn masa cakes from the Huasteca region, prepared with pork lard, griddle-cooked, and stuffed with a classic trio of savory meat fillings: shredded meat in red sauce, fried pork chorizo, and golden beef hash.

45 min Medium Mexicana (Huasteca) 3 servings
Huastec Bocoles

The story behind

Bocoles are the ultimate breakfast comfort food throughout the Huasteca region. Unlike other Mexican gorditas, the secret to their signature tender and melt-in-your-mouth interior lies in kneading rich pork lard directly into the corn dough. As showcases in your photograph, they are traditionally served open-faced, proudly displaying the colorful, steaming hot meat stews garnished with crisp raw onion and fresh cilantro.

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a large bowl, mix the corn flour and salt. Incorporate the room-temperature pork lard, rubbing it with your fingertips until fully blended into the dry ingredients.
  2. 2
    Gradually add the warm water while kneading the mixture until a smooth, pliable dough forms that detaches cleanly from your hands.
  3. 3
    Divide the prepared corn dough into medium balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.
  4. 4
    Using a tortilla press or the palms of your hands, flatten each ball into thick discs about 1/3 inch (1 cm) thick.
  5. 5
    Preheat a comal or heavy cast-iron griddle over medium heat without adding any oil.
  6. 6
    Place the bocoles onto the hot dry griddle. Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes until toasted spots appear, flip, and cook the other side until the center is cooked through.
  7. 7
    Remove from heat and, while still hot, slice horizontally along the edge to create a pocket, or gently press down the center with a spoon to shape the raised rim shown in the photo.
  8. 8
    Stuff one bocol generously with the red shredded meat, the second with the fried chorizo, and the third with the beef hash.
  9. 9
    Arrange the three filled bocoles side-by-side on a flat black rectangular plate.
  10. 10
    Top each bocol with a fresh sprinkle of finely chopped white onion and cilantro before serving immediately.

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