Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Sopes de Carnitas with Pork

Preparation

1. Cook and shred pork as directed on box using preferred cooking method.
2. One hour before serving, prepare sopes and toppings. In medium bowl, stir masa and 1 cup warm water together until dough forms. Add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed to get dough the consistency of cookie dough. Divide dough into 12 portions, shape into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter; cover with plastic wrap.
3. Working between two sheets of lightly greased plastic wrap, press each dough ball into a 3-inch round.
4. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the vegetable oil over medium heat. Remove 1 layer of the plastic wrap, and use the other to carefully place a dough round in skillet. Remove and discard plastic wrap. Repeat with 5 more dough rounds to cook 6 at the same time. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly set. Turn and cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; turn off heat. Remove rounds from skillet onto cookie sheet. Cool about 3 minutes; pinch edges of each round to form 1/2-inch rim all the way around the dough. Return to skillet; cook over medium heat an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the bottom of each round is lightly browned. Place in warm oven; repeat with remaining vegetable oil and dough balls.
5. When ready to serve, spread about 3 tablespoons refried beans on each sope. Using a slotted spoon, place about 1/4 cup shredded pork over the beans. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion and radish; serve immediately.

Tips

• Sopes are similar to tortillas but are smaller and much thicker with a pinched edge. Pinching the edges of the sope when the dough is still hot creates a border to keep all the toppings in place.
• The carnitas can be made up to 2 days in advance for a quick weeknight meal.
• A griddle or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet also can be used to cook the sopes.
• Start to finish time for this recipe is based on using the pressure cooker to cook the carnitas. You also may use your oven or slow cooker as directed on the box.

Nutrition Information