Huaraches are a yummy Mexican dish that lots of people love. They’re made from a thick base of masa (corn dough) and shaped like a sandal. You can put all kinds of tasty things on huaraches. But what can you put on them to make them extra delicious? Let’s find out all the different things you can put on huaraches. From traditional toppings to fun, new ideas, there’s something for everyone!
What Are Huaraches?
A huarache starts with a thick base made from masa harina (corn flour). First, you mix the corn flour with water and a little bit of salt to make a dough. Then, you shape the dough into an oval and cook it on a hot pan until it’s crispy on the outside but still soft and chewy on the inside. This oval base is where you add all the yummy toppings!
The masa base is very important because it’s what makes a huarache different from other dishes like tacos or tortillas. It’s thicker and stronger, so it can hold lots of toppings like beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. If you want to learn how to make the base, check out this easy recipe.
Once the masa base is ready, it’s time to add your favorite toppings! People usually start with beans, then add other tasty ingredients. You can stick to the classic toppings or try new, fun ones. You can even follow this step-by-step huaraches recipe to get started.
Traditional Toppings for Huaraches
If you’ve never tried a huarache before, starting with traditional toppings is a great idea. These toppings have been used for a long time and taste really good. They’re simple but full of flavor. Let’s look at the most common traditional toppings:
- Refried Beans: The first thing most people put on their huarache is refried beans. They spread the beans over the masa base. The beans are soft, creamy, and give the huarache a rich taste.
- Cheese: Cheese is another important topping. The two kinds most people use are queso fresco and cotija. Queso fresco is soft and creamy, while cotija is salty and a little crumbly. Both types of cheese make the huarache even yummier.
- Salsa: Salsa adds spice and flavor to huaraches. The two most common types are salsa roja (red salsa) and salsa verde (green salsa). These salsas add a little kick and make the huarache taste fresh and exciting.
- Meat: Many people add meat to their huaraches. Popular choices are carne asada (grilled beef), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), or chorizo (spicy sausage). The meat makes the huarache more filling and adds lots of flavor.
These ingredients together make a tasty and traditional huarache. You can mix them however you like, but these toppings are the ones people use most often. If you want to try a homemade huarache, check out this recipe!
Popular Toppings for Huaraches
Besides the traditional toppings, there are lots of other fun things you can add to your huarache. These extra toppings make the dish even more exciting! Let’s look at some of the popular ones people love to use:
- Sour Cream (Crema): Sour cream, or crema, is smooth and creamy. It makes the huarache taste richer and helps cool down the spiciness from the salsa or chorizo.
- Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch to the huarache. It also makes it feel lighter, and the crunchy texture goes great with the soft beans and cheese.
- Pico de Gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This topping is bright and colorful, and it adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy slices of avocado or a scoop of guacamole can make any huarache taste better. The smooth, buttery taste of avocado pairs really well with spicy and salty flavors.
- Jalapeños: If you like spicy food, you can add sliced jalapeños on top. They give the dish a little heat, and you can use fresh or pickled ones, depending on what you like.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make the huarache more flavorful. They add a smoky sweetness to the dish and are a great way to add more veggies.
With these toppings, you can build your own huarache that matches your tastes perfectly. You can mix and match until you find your favorite combination.
Regional Variations of Huaraches
Depending on where you are in Mexico, you’ll find different versions of huaraches. Different regions like to add their own special toppings, and each one is a little bit different. Here’s how huaraches change in different parts of Mexico:
Central Mexico
In Central Mexico, huaraches often come with tinga de pollo, which is shredded chicken cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. This gives the huarache a rich, smoky flavor and makes it a bit spicier than other versions.
Northern Mexico
In Northern Mexico, people often add barbacoa or shredded beef to their huaraches. These meats are slow-cooked, making them tender and juicy. Sometimes the masa base in this region is also a bit thicker, giving the dish a heartier feel.
Street Food Huaraches
In the street markets of Mexico, you’ll find huaraches loaded with lots of toppings. Street vendors often pile on grilled meats, roasted veggies, and several kinds of salsa. These street huaraches are usually bigger and have more toppings than the ones you make at home.
Sweet Huaraches
Most huaraches are savory, but there are sweet versions, too! Sweet huaraches are topped with things like cajeta (a caramel made from goat’s milk), sugar, or fresh fruit. This makes the dish a fun dessert and gives you a whole new way to enjoy huaraches.
Vegetarian Toppings for Huaraches
If you don’t eat meat, you can still enjoy huaraches. There are plenty of vegetarian-friendly toppings that make the dish just as tasty! Here are some great ideas for vegetarian toppings:
- Grilled Mushrooms: Mushrooms have a meaty texture, and they taste really good when grilled. They’re a great substitute for meat and add lots of flavor.
- Black Beans: Instead of refried beans, you can use black beans. They add a firmer texture and are packed with protein, making the huarache even more filling.
- Roasted Vegetables: You can load your huarache with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. These veggies add a smoky sweetness and lots of color to your dish.
- Cheese and Avocado: Even without meat, you can make your huarache rich and satisfying by adding plenty of cheese and avocado. The cheese adds a salty bite, while the avocado adds a creamy texture.
With these toppings, you can enjoy a vegetarian huarache that’s just as delicious and filling as a meat-filled one.
Making Healthier Huaraches
Huaraches are super tasty, but they can be a bit heavy when they’re loaded with cheese, meat, and sour cream. If you want to make them a little healthier, here are some simple changes you can make:
- Use Whole-Wheat Masa: Instead of using regular masa, try using whole-wheat masa harina. This adds more fiber and nutrients to your huarache.
- Grill Instead of Frying: Instead of frying your toppings, grill them! Grilling uses less oil and helps keep the dish lighter.
- Go Light on Cheese and Cream: You can still enjoy cheese and sour cream, but use smaller amounts to cut back on fat.
- Lean Proteins: Instead of pork, use lean meats like grilled chicken or turkey. These meats are just as tasty but have less fat.
These small changes can make your huarache healthier while keeping all the delicious flavors.
FAQs About Huaraches
Here are some common questions people ask about huaraches:
1. What toppings go on huaraches?
Huaraches can be topped with refried beans, meat like carne asada or carnitas, cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, pico de gallo, and more.
2. Are huaraches vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! You can make vegetarian huaraches by using toppings like grilled vegetables, mushrooms, black beans, cheese, and avocado.
3. What’s the difference between a huarache and a taco?
The main difference is the base. Huaraches use a thick oval-shaped masa base, while tacos use a smaller, thin tortilla.
4. How do you eat huaraches?
You can eat huaraches by hand, like a pizza slice, or with a knife and fork. Since they’re bigger and hold more toppings than tacos, using a fork can make it easier.
Conclusion
Huaraches are a super fun and delicious Mexican dish that you can make just the way you like. Whether you prefer the traditional toppings like refried beans and carne asada, or you want to try new ideas like grilled vegetables or avocado, there are so many ways to enjoy huaraches.
The next time you’re looking for something tasty, try making your own huarache with your favorite toppings. If you need help, check out this homemade recipe and start cooking today!