Especial Sopes

Sopes! A delicious and traditional Mexican dish that's gained popularity in the United States. As a formal journalist, I'm excited to help you learn more about this tasty treat.

What are sopes?

Sopes (pronounced "soh-pehs") are a type of traditional Mexican dish originating from the central and southern regions of Mexico. They are thick, round tortillas topped with various ingredients, similar to tacos, but with a thicker, crispy base.

Characteristics:

1. Thick, crispy tortilla: Sopes have a distinctive thick, crispy tortilla that's usually handmade from corn masa (dried and ground corn kernels that have been soaked in limewater).

2. Toppings: Sopes can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as:

* Shredded chicken or beef

* Refried beans

* Melted cheese (queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese)

* Sliced avocado

* Sour cream

* Sliced radishes

* Cilantro

* Spicy salsa or hot sauce

3. Size: Sopes are typically smaller than a standard taco, with a diameter of around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).

Variations:

1. Sopes de chicharrón: Topped with crispy fried pork rinds (chicharrón), refried beans, and sliced avocado.

2. Sopes de tinga: Topped with shredded chicken cooked in chipotle tomato sauce, refried beans, and sour cream.

3. Sopes de carnitas: Topped with slow-cooked pork, refried beans, and sliced avocado.

Where to find sopes in the USA:

Sopes are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in cities with large Mexican-American populations. You can find sopes on the menus of Mexican restaurants, especially those serving traditional or regional Mexican cuisine.

Some popular chains and restaurants that serve sopes include:

1. La Taqueria (California, Arizona, and Nevada)

2. El Torito Grill (California, Arizona, and Texas)

3. Los Trompos (Chicago, Illinois)

4. Empellón (New York City, New York)

5. La Casa Garcia (California, Arizona, and Texas)

Tips:

1. When ordering sopes, be prepared for a flavorful and filling meal.

2. Don't be afraid to customize your sopes with your preferred toppings.

3. If you're new to sopes, try a combination of toppings to experience the full range of flavors.

Now that you know more about sopes, go ahead and venture out to try this delicious Mexican dish!