Memelas (elongated masa cakes on comal)
Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico — market staple particularly in Oaxacan valley towns
Memelas are elongated oval masa cakes cooked on a comal — similar to sopes but flatter and longer, with a thin layer of black bean paste pressed into the masa before cooking. Common in Oaxaca and Puebla markets. The beans are incorporated into the masa before shaping (not spread on top after cooking), then a second thin layer of masa is pressed over the beans, sealing them inside. Salsa and crumbled cheese are added after cooking.