Tlayuda facts for kids
Open face tlayuda
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| Type | Antojito |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Mexico |
| Region or state | Oaxaca |
| Main ingredients | Tortillas, refried beans, asiento (unrefined pork lard), lettuce or cabbage, avocado, meat (usually shredded chicken, beef tenderloin or pork), Oaxaca cheese, salsa |
Tlayuda (say "tlah-YOO-dah") is a super popular and tasty dish from Oaxaca, a state in Mexico. It's like a giant, crispy tortilla that's loaded with delicious toppings. Think of it as a Mexican "pizza" but with its own unique flavor!
This amazing dish is handmade and is a big part of traditional Oaxacan food. It's known for being crunchy and full of flavor.
Contents
What is a Tlayuda?
A tlayuda starts with a large, thin tortilla. This tortilla is then made crunchy by being partly fried or toasted. It's bigger than a regular taco tortilla, often the size of a dinner plate!
Once the tortilla is ready, it's covered with a spread of refried beans. Then, a special ingredient called asiento is added. This is a type of unrefined pork lard that gives the tlayuda a unique taste.
After that, fresh veggies like lettuce or cabbage and avocado are placed on top. Finally, it's loaded with meat, usually shredded chicken, beef tenderloin, or pork. A special cheese called Oaxaca cheese and some salsa complete this yummy meal.
Where Do Tlayudas Come From?
Tlayudas are a famous type of antojito, which means a Mexican snack or appetizer. They come from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. If you visit Oaxaca City, you'll find tlayudas everywhere!
They are a symbol of Oaxacan cooking. You can also find tlayudas in other parts of Mexico, like Mexico City, Puebla, and Guadalajara. This shows how popular they are across the country.
How Are Tlayudas Made?
The large tortilla for a tlayuda is cooked until it's crispy. This is usually done on a comal, which is a flat griddle, or sometimes on a grill. The goal is to make it nice and firm.
After cooking, the tortilla gets its base layers. First, the refried beans are spread on. Then, the asiento (pork lard) and vegetables are added. These layers create the foundation for all the other tasty ingredients.
Toppings and Variations
There are no strict rules for what you can put on a tlayuda! Restaurants and street vendors often offer many different toppings. Some popular choices include:
- Tasajo: Thin cuts of beef that are very common in Oaxaca.
- Chorizo: A type of spicy sausage.
- Cecina enchilada: Thin strips of pork that have been seasoned with chili powder.
Tlayudas can be served in two main ways. They can be prepared "open-faced," meaning flat like a pizza, so you can see all the toppings. Or, they can be folded in half, like a giant taco or quesadilla, making them easier to eat on the go.
See also
In Spanish: Tlayuda para niños
