Welcome to Paulina Cocina. Your trusted place where we cook, learn, and have a great time. I hope you're in the mood to cook something delicious and different. Today's recipe is: Honduran Baleadas.
An ideal recipe for everyday use, whether for a main meal or as a takeout, this is a flour tortilla filled and folded into a crescent shape. Super easy and versatile.
Content table
About the Honduran Baleadas
The base of baleadas is a flour tortilla, made with wheat flour, water, salt, and lard eggs, avocado, sour cream, meat, chicken, or sausage are also available .
The tortillas used in Honduran baleadas are typically larger and thinner than those used in other typical Central American dishes.
In addition to the traditional baleadas, there are other popular variations in Honduras. Some of them include:
- Simple Baleada : With beans, butter and cheese.
- Special Baleada : Add fried egg to the filling of the simple baleada.
- Mixed Baleada : Includes different types of sausages such as sausage, chorizo or ham.
- Baleada with meat : Shredded beef or chicken is added to the filling.
Honduran baleadas share similarities with other Central American dishes, such as Salvadoran pupusas and Mexican gorditas, which also consist of stuffed tortillas. These influences may have contributed to their creation and popularity in Honduras.
Honduran baleadas adapt to every occasion
Baleadas can vary in size. Small baleadas are typically found as appetizers or snacks , while larger baleadas are often a complete meal .
Baleadas are one of the most popular foods in Honduras and can be found virtually anywhere, from restaurants to street food stalls and even homes.
- Baleadas are considered an economical and popular breakfast option . Many people enjoy them as a quick and tasty way to start the day.
Baleadas have inspired the creation of new dishes in Honduras. For example, "tostadas baleadas" (baleada tostadas), corn tostadas covered with the same ingredients used in a traditional baleada, have been created.
What do baleadas mean?
The name "baleada" is believed to come from the Spanish word "bala," which means "ball." This is due to the crescent shape the tortilla takes when folded when filled.
The typical sauce of Honduran baleadas
Chismol is a popular Honduran sauce often served alongside baleadas. It's made from chopped tomatoes, onion, chilies, and cilantro, and adds a fresh, spicy flavor to the dish.
The Honduran Baleadas Festival
In the city of El Progreso, Honduras , the Baleada Festival is held annually, where local vendors compete to make the largest baleada in the country. This competition attracts visitors from all over the country and is a popular event.
- Baleadas are considered an icon of Honduras' culinary identity . They are loved and enjoyed by Hondurans and are a symbol of the country's traditional cuisine.
This is a basic recipe for making Honduran baleadas. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, what you have at home, and add additional ingredients to make them even more delicious.
Recipe for Honduran Baleadas and their modern variations
Although traditional baleadas are already a recognized and highly appreciated icon, over the years new ideas and more modern recipes have emerged that introduce innovations and new flavors , making this dish a gourmet experience.
Some new versions of Honduran Baleadas include ingredients like hummus , tofu, or even international sauces, adapting the baleadas recipe to more global tastes. These reinterpretations are clear evidence of the versatility of this Honduran classic .
The secret of the homemade Honduran Baleadas recipe: the dough
Before starting to prepare some authentic and delicious Honduran baleadas , we want to take a moment to consider the tortilla dough, so you can make sure you get the best results from this recipe.
Although the recipe may seem simple, we recommend paying attention to the details. Here, I share the key points for soft, flexible, and flavorful tortillas that will take your baleadas to the next level:
- Use good quality flour.
- Integrate the chosen fat well into the flour.
- Add just the right amount of warm water.
- Knead for at least 10 minutes to develop the gluten.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the tortillas thinly and cook them on a hot griddle.
If you follow these steps, you can be sure that the tortillas for your Honduran baleadas will be perfect for containing traditional Honduran fillings.
Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )
Honduran Baleadas Recipe
Yield : 8 portions
Preparation time : 1 hour
Ingredients
For the flour tortillas:
- 2 cups of wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter), cold and cubed small
- 3/4 cup of warm water
For filling:
- 2 cups of refried beans (thick consistency)
- 1 cup of grated cheese (can be fresh cheese, hard cheese or Cheddar cheese)
- 4 tablespoons butter (lard), melted or at room temperature
Process for Making Honduran Baleadas
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the lard (or butter) and work the mixture with your fingers until it forms a sandy texture.
- Add the warm water little by little, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into fist-sized balls, place them on a plate, and cover with a damp cloth. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle a little flour on a flat surface and roll out each ball of dough into a thin, round tortilla, about 2-3 mm thick.
- Cook each tortilla in a large, hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly puffed. Stack the tortillas and cover with a clean cloth to keep them warm.
- Take a tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans in the center, add melted butter and grated cheese to taste.
- Fold the tortilla in half, forming a half-moon, and press lightly to seal the filling, being careful not to break the tortilla.
- Serve the baleadas hot and enjoy this delicious Honduran dish.
