National Dish Mexico: Tlacoyos de Haba (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Tlacoyos de Haba, a wonderfully rustic treat from the streets and markets of Mexico. These hand-shaped, oval corn masa pockets are stuffed with a savoury mash of fava beans, then griddled until golden and slightly crisp. With roots stretching back to pre-Columbian times, they remain a beloved staple sold from comales across the country. Earthy, satisfying and naturally vegan, they bring a true taste of traditional Mexico straight to your kitchen.
About Tlacoyos de Haba
Tlacoyos de Haba are a wonderful speciality of Mexican cooking, set apart by their distinctive oval shape and the way they are made. These hand-formed, savoury corn pockets are usually filled with a delicious bean paste. The origins of the dish reach right back to pre-Columbian times, and it is still prepared across countless regions of Mexico today. The combination of freshly made corn masa and an aromatic filling makes tlacoyos an especially flavoursome experience.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g masa harina (corn flour)
- 100 ml water
- 100 g cooked and mashed fava beans (haba)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for the griddle
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for tlacoyos de haba, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality produce. The masa harina is the main component, so organic or freshly milled corn flour is a great choice. The fava beans can be used fresh or from a tin, though it is worth making sure they are of good quality either way. The remaining ingredients, such as salt and vegetable oil, are available in any supermarket, which keeps the whole dish simple and easy to put together.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the dish begins with mixing the ingredients. The masa harina goes into a bowl and is combined well with the water and salt until you have a smooth, pliable dough. The dough is then divided into portions and shaped into small, flat oval shells. Take care to make them even and thin so they crisp up nicely on the griddle and the filling really comes through.
Step-by-step instructions
- Knead the dough from masa harina, water and salt until smooth and pliable.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a shell.
- Fill the shells with the mashed fava beans.
- Seal the edges well to enclose the filling.
- Griddle the shells on a hot comal for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Making this recipe gluten-free is easy, as masa harina is naturally free from gluten. To be sure the tlacoyos are also lactose-free, simply take care not to add any dairy to the filling. The recipe therefore offers an excellent option for anyone who needs to avoid gluten or lactose. Enjoy this delicious dish without any compromise on flavour or texture.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Tlacoyos de haba are naturally vegan and vegetarian, which makes them a perfect choice for plant-based eaters. To make the dish even more varied, you can fold extra vegetables such as courgette or peppers into the filling. You can also switch up the fillings to create different flavours — with avocado or salsa, for example. That keeps the dish exciting and full of room for adaptation, much like the Tacos de Papa you can fill to taste.
More tips and tricks
To get the best results, it is worth keeping a few tips and tricks in mind. For example, shape the shells carefully so they do not tear on the griddle. A well-preheated comal ensures even browning and a crisp surface. You can also garnish the tlacoyos with fresh herbs before serving to give them a special aroma. Experiment with different griddling techniques to land on the perfect result.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting the recipe to your taste is a great way to make tlacoyos de haba your own. The bean filling, for instance, can be swapped for other pulses such as lentils or chickpeas. Different spices can be used too, to intensify the flavours. That means anyone — whether they prefer hot, mild or more exotic flavours — can easily create their own personal version.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not care for fava beans, or simply cannot find them, you can swap them for other substitutions such as black beans or pinto beans — the same hearty pulses that shine in Sopes de Frijol. This not only offers different flavours but also varied nutritional profiles. Using a gluten-free flour in place of masa harina is possible too, though it should be chosen with care to preserve the texture of the dough. Be creative and try out different combinations to develop your own individual dish.
Drink pairing ideas
Tlacoyos de haba pair beautifully with a wide range of drinks. A classic Mexican beverage such as horchata or an agua fresca complements the savoury flavours and adds a refreshing note. A well-chilled beer or a margarita also goes wonderfully with this dish. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a fizzy lemonade or a freshly pressed juice is a great way to highlight the flavours.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation can greatly enrich your tlacoyos. Serve them on a colourful platter with fresh vegetables and salsas to create an appealing range of colours. Pair the dish with a few slices of avocado or a smooth guacamole. That way the dish becomes not only a treat for the palate but a feast for the eyes that is sure to impress your guests.
A bit of history
The history of tlacoyos de haba is fascinating and shows just how deeply rooted this dish is in Mexican culture. They date back to Aztec times, when they were originally relied upon as an essential source of food. In many regions of Mexico, tlacoyos are still part of the traditional table today, often sold at markets and street stalls. The dish is a symbol of Mexico’s cultural identity and stands for the simplicity and richness of the country’s agricultural produce, a hallmark of Mexican cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tlacoyos de Haba
In summary, tlacoyos de haba are a delicious and culturally significant dish that deserves a place in every kitchen. They offer a brilliant opportunity to get to know traditional Mexican flavours and to experiment with all sorts of variations. Whether vegan, gluten-free or with different fillings, the possibilities are endless and promise enjoyment for everyone. Let this dish win you over and bring a piece of Mexico into your home!
