Mexican Tlacoyos with Grilled Toppings

Introduction

Tlacoyos are a delicious and traditional Mexican treat made from masa dough stuffed with beans and then grilled to perfection. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve an amazing golden crust on the masa while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Topped with perfectly grilled nopales, fresh cheese, and a smoky salsa, these Tlacoyos will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup refried black beans
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 4 nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and sliced
• ½ cup fresh cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup salsa roja
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the masa dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten each into a small disc.

Step 3: Stuff and shape the Tlacoyos

1. Place a spoonful of refried beans in the center of each dough disc.
2. Fold the dough over the filling and shape it into an oval.
3. Flatten slightly while keeping the beans enclosed.

Step 4: Grill the Tlacoyos

1. Melt butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Place Tlacoyos on the flat cooktop near the center, where heat is more intense.
3. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Grill the nopales

1. Place the sliced nopales onto the flat cooktop.
2. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble and serve

1. Place grilled Tlacoyos on a serving plate.
2. Top with grilled nopales, crumbled fresh cheese, salsa roja, chopped onion, and cilantro.
3. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips

• Keep the masa dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
• Grill the Tlacoyos close to the center for a perfect golden crust.
• Use fresh nopales for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Tlacoyos: Add diced jalapeños to the masa for extra heat.
• Cheese-Stuffed Tlacoyos: Fill with a mixture of beans and melted cheese.
• Pork Tlacoyos: Stuff with slow-cooked pulled pork for a hearty twist.
• Vegan Tlacoyos: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of beans.
• Mushroom Tlacoyos: Fill with grilled mushrooms for a smoky earthy taste.

Conclusion

Mexican Tlacoyos with Grilled Toppings are a hearty, flavorful dish that's easy to make using the Arteflame grill. The combination of grilled masa, savory beans, and smoky nopales makes for an authentic bite of Mexico right at home. Enjoy them as a snack, side, or main dish!

Best Pairings

• A cold Mexican beer like a Modelo or Pacifico.
• A refreshing agua fresca such as hibiscus or lime.
• A side of grilled Mexican street corn (elote).