Oven-Baked Sopes

Vegetarian Times, May/June 2009

3 cups masa harina
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk together masa harina, Parmesan cheese, if using, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Stir in 2 1/2 cups hot water until mixture forms soft dough. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir egg, then oil, into dough.

Roll 1/4 cup dough into ball. Press into 3-inch disk on prepared baking sheet, pinching together any cracked edges. Press indentation in center of disk using small drinking glass, then shape 1/2-inch edge around indentation with your fingers. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake 10 minutes, or until sopes begin to look dry. Sprinkle each indentation with 2 teaspoons grated Monterey Jack cheese. Return to oven, and bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese has melted. Top with Zucchini-Corn Filling or Pico de Gallo.