Masa Tots for Cinco de Mayo

With Cinco de Mayo just a few days away, it’s the perfect time to start planning a fun themed menu for a barbecue or other casual get-together!

This recipe for Masa Tots comes from Alton Brown, and is made by using shredded corn tortillas and jalapenos (among other things!) and forming them into little balls for frying.

Masa Tots

10 ounces corn tortillas, approximately 20
1/2 cup whole milk
1 whole egg
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup diced onions
2 tablespoons minced jalapenos
2 quarts peanut oil

Tear the tortillas into small pieces and place in a food processor. Add the milk, egg, salt and pepper. Process until a chunky paste forms and you are able to squeeze a ball together in your hand, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the onions and jalapenos. Set aside.

Place the oil into a 5-quart pot or Dutch oven and heat to 365 to 375 degrees F.

Roll the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch balls or scoop with a small, 2-teaspoon ice cream scoop. Fry 6 to 8 at a time in the oil until crisp and golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack set over a sheet pan and allow to cool 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

[image: flickr]