Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     2/3  cup           lard
                        (or 1/3 cup unsalted butter
                        and 1/3 cup olive oil)
   1      large         onion -- diced
   2      large         garlic cloves -- finely chopped
   1      teaspoon      salt
     1/2  teaspoon      freshly-ground black pepper
   2      cups          cooked white beans -- mashed
   2                    plum tomatoes -- peeled, seeded,
                        -- and diced
     1/2  bunch         fresh thyme -- leaves only, finely
                        -- chopped
   2      teaspoons     olive oil
     3/4  pound         firm white fish - -- (1"-2" thick
                        -- steaks)
                        (such as halibut or sea bass)
   1      cup           roasted tomatillo salsa -- see * note
   4      large         romaine lettuce leaves -- shredded
   1      cup           crema -- see * note
   1      cup           crumbled feta cheese

Preparation:

* Note: See the "Roasted Tomatillo Salsa" and "Crema" recipes which are included in the "Two Hot Tamales" recipe collection. In a medium saucepan, heat the lard over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden. Add the garlic, salt and pepper, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the mashed beans and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the beans form a mass that pulls away from the sides and bottom of the pan -- about 10 more minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and thyme and set aside. Brush a grill or griddle pan with the olive oil and heat until very hot. Grill the fish for about 3 to 5 minutes on a side, depending on its thickness, or until firm. Do not overcook. Cut the fish into 1/2-inch chunks. To fill the gorditas, place an equal quantity of the refried white beans, grilled fish, Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, lettuce, Crema and feta inside the pocket of each and serve immediately.