Chochoyote facts for kids

Chochoyote (say "choh-choh-YOH-tay") is a special kind of small, round dumpling from Mexico. It's made from masa, which is a dough from corn. Each chochoyote has a little dip in the middle, like someone pressed their finger into it!

These tasty dumplings can be baked or boiled. They are often cooked in a yummy broth or soup. Chochoyotes are a very important part of a traditional dish called Mole Amarillo (Yellow Mole) from a place in Mexico called Oaxaca. They add a lot of flavor and help make the stew a little thicker.

How to Make Chochoyotes

Making chochoyotes is quite simple! Here's how it's usually done:

• First, you mix corn flour with water. You need about one part water for every one part corn flour.
• Then, you knead the mixture well to make a smooth corn dough.
• Next, you add some salt for flavor and a little bit of lard. Lard is a type of fat that helps the dough become firm and adds even more taste.
• Sometimes, people add fresh herbs to the dough for extra flavor. Popular choices include epazote, hoja santa, avocado leaf, cilantro, parsley, or chipilín.
• Once the dough is ready, you use your hands to roll it into small balls. These balls are usually about 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) wide.
• Gently flatten each ball a little bit.
• Then, with your finger, make a small dent in the middle of each one. This little dip helps the chochoyote cook all the way through.
• Finally, the raw chochoyotes are added directly into a stew or soup. As they cook, they release their flavor and help thicken the dish.

See also

In Spanish: Bolita de masa para niños