Memelas with Queso Fresco and Charred Tomato Sauce

Name: Memelas with Queso Fresco and Charred Tomato Sauce
Yield: Makes 16 hors d’oeuvres
Ingredients: 1 pound tomatoes (4 medium); 2 fresh serrano chiles or 1 jalapeño chile; 2 tablespoons chopped white onion; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 cups masa harina ("masa mix") such as Maseca or Quaker; 1 1/3 cups warm water; 10 ounces queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese) or feta, crumbled (2 cups); Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro; a tortilla press or a rolling pin

August 20, 2004

Memelas with Queso Fresco and Charred Tomato SaucePhoto by John Kernick

Memelas are similar to chalupas and sopes. Pinching up the edges and creating tiny bumps in the centers helps keep the filling in place, which becomes important when the memelas are large.

Cooks' notes:

·Sauce may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Add cilantro just before using.
·Memelas may be prepared, without adding filling, 4 hours ahead, cooled completely, then chilled in a sealed plastic bag.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.