Traditional Chalupa Recipe: Make Homemade Chalupas

• 1 cup masa harina (masa flour)
• ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded chicken, such as from a rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• 1 white onion, chopped in a small dice
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine masa with 1 teaspoon oil, salt, and ⅔ cup water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough comes together. Knead the dough into a smooth mass, adding more water or oil if needed.

2. 2

   Use your hands to shape dough into 2-inch balls, then flatten each ball of dough into a disc with the palm of your hand. Use a wooden spoon to make a divot in the center of each disc, then shape the dough into a small boat.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat the oil. In a large cast-iron skillet, warm ½ cup oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the chalupa shells. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 1 minute, then use tongs to flip and continue to fry until the other side is golden brown.

4. 4

   Use tongs to transfer chalupa shells to a paper-towel-lined plate. Spread a spoonful of salsa into the center of each chalupa and top with chicken, lettuce, onion, and cotija cheese.

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