Catrachas

Name: Catrachas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Honduran
Ingredients: 8 corn tortillas; 2 cups refried red beans; 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled; 1/2 cup crema or sour cream; Vegetable oil for frying; Salt; Hot sauce for serving

Catrachas (kah-TRAH-chahs)

Fried Tortilla with Bean and Cheese Topping

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 310 kcal

Crispy fried corn tortillas topped with mashed refried beans, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of sour cream. A quintessential Honduran appetizer.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 12.0g

Carbs 34.0g

Fat 14.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

deep skillet spatula plate with paper towels

Presentation Guide

Vessel: flat plate

Garnishes: crumbled queso fresco, crema drizzle

Accompaniments: hot sauce, pickled jalapenos

Ingredients

8 corn tortillas
2 cups refried red beans
1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
1/2 cup crema or sour cream
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt
Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

1
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Fry tortillas one at a time until golden and crispy on both sides, about two minutes total. Drain on paper towels.
3
Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each fried tortilla.
4
Top with crumbled queso fresco and a drizzle of crema. Serve immediately while the tortilla is still crispy.

💡

Did You Know?

The word catracho is a nickname for Honduran people, derived from the surname of General Florencio Xatruch who led Honduran troops in the 1850s.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep skillet
spatula
plate with paper towels

Garnishing

crumbled queso fresco, crema drizzle

Accompaniments

hot sauce, pickled jalapenos

The Story Behind Catrachas

Catrachas are named after the affectionate nickname for Honduran people themselves, making them perhaps the most symbolically Honduran food that exists. These simple fried tortillas topped with beans and cheese represent the foundational flavors of Honduran cuisine: corn, beans, and fresh cheese. The dish likely evolved from the ancient practice of toasting leftover tortillas and topping them with available ingredients. Today they serve as appetizers, snacks, and party food across the country.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed appetizer or snack any time of day 📜 Origins: Traditional Honduran

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!