📍 Tepoztlán

Tepoztlán Itacates

Name: Tepoztlán Itacates
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500 g nixtamalized corn masa; 100 g grated cheese; Lard and salt; Fillings to taste: mushrooms, squash blossom, or rajas; Green or red salsa for serving

· Street food

A triangular corn masa snack with cheese, browned on the griddle and filled with stews to taste.

Editorial content by WorldBites · 2026-10-04 · Contact

⏱ 40 min🍽 4 servings📊 Easy🏷 Commonly associated🌱 Gluten-free

Preparation: 25 min
Cooking: 15 min
Waiting and resting: 0 min

History

The itacate (from the Nahuatl ihtacatl, 'provisions for the road') is the signature snack of Tepoztlán. Its triangular shape was created so field workers could carry hot food; today it is a must-stop in the market and streets of the Magical Town.

Ingredients

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Only numeric quantities at the start of an ingredient are adjusted. Descriptive quantities, seasoning to taste and timings remain unchanged; check them when changing servings.

Preparation

1
Mix the masa with the grated cheese, a little lard, and salt.
2
Form a thick tortilla and fold the edges to give it a triangular shape.
3
Cook it on the griddle until golden on both sides.
4
Carefully split it open along one side.
5
Fill with stewed mushrooms, squash blossom, or rajas.
6
Serve hot with salsa to taste.

Cooking tips

Make evenly thick triangles and carefully open them when cooked but still warm.

Technique and preparation

What to check during preparation

Work grated cheese evenly into the dough to avoid dry and wet patches. Shape evenly thick triangles without thin tips that burn. Cook both faces over moderate heat and check the center before opening. Make the side cut carefully; a very thin piece can tear when filled. Mushrooms, peppers or squash blossoms should be cooked and free of loose liquid. Fill at serving time.