3 cups California walnuts
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ancho powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground oregano
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups masa (corn flour)
1 cup warm water, plus 1 to 2 tablespoons as needed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetable oil for frying
Crema, thinly sliced radishes, cilantro leaves and crumbled queso fresco (optional toppings)
Place first 11 ingredients in a food processor and process until walnuts are fairly finely chopped. Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon until mixture resembles “chorizo”. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. (May be prepared several days ahead.)
To prepare sopes, place masa, 1 cup water and salt in a mixer bowl and beat until masa is moistened and mixture holds together, adding extra water as needed.
Shape into 6 equal balls. Flatten each into a smooth 4-inch oval and place on a parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet. Press edges to form a 1/4 inch raised border.
Heat at least 2-inches of oil to 350° F in a large deep pot. Cook sopes in batches for about 2 minutes, lightly pressing down in pot as they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
Spoon about 1/4 cup warm walnut chorizo into each and serve with any desired toppings. Save remaining chorizo for another use.