Tlayuda: Oaxaca's Crispy Pizza
A traditional Oaxacan street food, Tlayuda is a large, crispy corn tortilla loaded with a savory spread of refried beans, melted Oaxacan string cheese, fresh avocado, crisp vegetables, and your choice of grilled meat.
Ingredients
- 1 large corn tortilla Tlayuda-style (~12-14 inches)
- 1/2 cup refried black beans
- 1/2 cup Oaxacan cheese (quesillo) shredded
- 1/4 medium avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup cabbage shredded
- 2 tablespoons red onion thinly sliced
- 1 small radish thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon salsa for serving (optional)
- 6 ounces grilled meat (tasajo cecina
- 1 tablespoon pork lard (asiento) optional (for authentic bean spread)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for crisping
Instructions
- Prepare the Tlayuda tortilla: Lightly brush both sides of the large corn tortilla with vegetable oil. Heat a large comal or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla on the comal and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it becomes crispy and slightly golden, but still pliable enough to fold without breaking. Be careful not to burn it.
- Spread the beans: While the tortilla is still warm, spread the refried black beans evenly over one side of the crispy tortilla. If using asiento, mix it with the refried beans before spreading.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded Oaxacan cheese over the beans. If using grilled meat, arrange it on top of the cheese.
- Heat and melt: Return the Tlayuda to the comal or skillet, or place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook the tortilla and make it too hard.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Arrange the sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, radish, and chopped cilantro on top. Fold it in half or cut into wedges and serve immediately with salsa on the side if desired.
Notes
For an authentic touch, use asiento (unrendered pork lard) mixed with refried beans. Vegetarians can omit meat. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. Experiment with different types of grilled meats like tasajo or cecina. You can also add a spicy salsa.