WHAT IS A GORDITA RECIPES

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.  Add 2 tablespoons lard and combine well (I usually crumble it into the mixture using my fingers.)
• Now add only 1 cup of the warm water and combine as much as you can using a spoon or spatula.  Add the rest of the water incrementally until you have a cohesive ball of masa dough. I usually dump the mixture onto a work surface and add the remaining water a few tablespoons at a time, kneading the dough until it comes together. Set aside and cover until you need it.
• Pull off a 3 oz. chunk of masa dough and use your hands to roll it into a ball.  (3 oz. is somewhere between a golfball and a racquetball.)  
• Surround the dough ball in plastic (I use a Ziploc bag with the top cut off) and use a flat-bottomed casserole dish to flatten the dough ball to a thickness that lies somewhere between 1/8" and 1/4". Keep in mind that you can always make them thicker at the cost of a longer cooking time. You can alternatively use a tortilla press for this step. 
• Pre-heat a dry skillet or comal to medium heat.  Cook each side of the Gordita until light brown spots are forming, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.  
• Meanwhile, heat up a thin layer of oil in a separate skillet.  I use a thermometer to get the oil up to 360F, and this corresponds to a medium setting on my stove. 
• Add the partially cooked Gordita from the dry skillet and cook it in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom side is brown and crispy.  You can optionally cook the second side in the oil but I frequently will only cook the first side in oil.  Set aside to drain on some paper towels.
• Use a knife to cut open the edges.  Insert your favorite filling and serve immediately.  I filled this batch with refried beans and cheese. 

Steps:

• Divide the masa into 6 balls. Press each one between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to form 6inch rounds about 1/8inch thick. Heat a dry non-stick pan or well-seasoned griddle pan over medium heat. Toast the gorditas, turning frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until speckled and golden on the outside and puffy. Set aside for up to 6 hours before finishing the dish.
• In a large, heavy saucepan or deep fat fryer, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Deep fry the gorditas, in batches, until golden brown. When cool enough to handle, split open like pita bread and fill the pockets with either Carne Asada or Grilled Fish and White Bean fillings.