Welcome to a new ode to Mexican cuisine at Paulina Cocina! There are countries that seem to have an inexhaustible source of recipes, and Mexico is one of them. Added to that, they're the kings of fast food, the kind you can grab at a street stall or make at home in a pinch when you want a delicious meal.
Mexican molletes can be a great breakfast, a quick lunch, or a comforting snack. Plus, they're super easy to make and use ingredients you're sure to have at home.
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About Mexican molletes
The mollete is an iconic and beloved dish in Mexico, which has found its place in the country's culinary tradition. This delicious treat is a blend of flavors and textures that has gained popularity in both homes and restaurants.
How are molletes prepared?
This traditional snack has few ingredients, but each plays an important role in creating its distinctive flavor. It begins with bread rolls that are cut in half and toasted to create a crispy base.
Next, a layer of refried beans on the bread, adding flavor and tenderness to every bite. It's then topped with grated cheese, which melts and browns as it's baked again. This combination of crusty bread, creamy beans, and melted cheese is the essence of this recipe.
The combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients and the ability to customize them make them a popular choice on the Mexican table and beyond. Their authentic and satisfying flavor continues to appeal to those seeking a culinary experience that reflects Mexico's rich culinary tradition.
Origin of Mexican molletes
The creation of molletes , an iconic dish of Mexican cuisine, has deep roots intertwined with history and culinary traditions. Although the exact details are mostly anecdotal, they are believed to have originated in the region of Spain, specifically Andalusia.
The soft, round rolls used in this Mexican recipe can trace their influence back to the Spanish " molletes ," which were also soft rolls. As culinary traditions intersected in the Viceroyalty of New Spain, the recipe for Mexican molletes began to take shape.
The classic ingredients for this recipe
Basic ingredients available in the region, such as beans, cheese, and bread, were combined to create a unique culinary experience. Over time, homemade molletes adapted and evolved to incorporate native flavors and elements, resulting in a distinctively Mexican version of this dish.
The preparation of these snacks was also influenced by regional differences in Mexico. As they spread throughout the country, local recipes began to incorporate unique ingredients and techniques, allowing for even greater customization of the molletes.
Molletes in Mexican homes
Molletes , linked to bread preparations such as chicken tostadas , pambazos , cemitas poblanas , and others. They can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions, from a quick breakfast to a casual lunch.
In some areas, ingredients such as chorizo, avocado, and pico de gallo were added to the recipe, enhancing the flavors and adding variety to the dish. Molletes , throughout their evolution and adaptation, have come to be considered an integral part of Mexican culinary culture.
Why molletes?
The name "mollete" for this delicious dish has interesting roots dating back to Mexican history and culinary culture . Although there is no single definitive explanation, various theories have been proposed about the origin of this name, which have captured the imagination of food lovers.
- One theory suggests that "mollete" comes from the Latin "mollis," meaning "soft" or "smooth." This could be due to the texture of the bread used in the Mexican molletes recipe . The bread used is characterized by being soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, which could have led to the association with this word.
- Another theory suggests that the name "mollete" is related to the way the bread used in this dish is kneaded. The term "mollete" could come from the Spanish word "moler," which means "to grind" or "to crush," referring to the process of kneading and forming the dough for bread.
The influence of Andalusian culture in Mexico may also have played a role in the adoption of the name " mollete ." In Spain, the term "mollete" refers to a type of soft, round roll, similar to the one used in the recipe for Mexican molletes . This connection may have influenced the choice of name to describe this dish.
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Homemade Mexican Molletes Recipe
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bread rolls
- 400 g of refried beans
- 1 cup grated cheese
- Optional: pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
Procedure for assembling homemade Mexican molletes
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the bread in half horizontally and place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Toast for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy. Meanwhile, heat the refried beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Remove the buns from the oven and spread a generous layer of refried beans on each half.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the beans, covering them completely. Return the muffins to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
- Remove and let cool slightly. Optionally, top with pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream before serving.
