Recipe by Mariana Rebollo Moreira
How to make the tasty Mexican Vegetarian Sandwich with Cheese?
A vegetarian sandwich with cheese can offer numerous health benefits. First, the vegetables included, like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management. The fiber content can also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Mexican cuisine brims with an array of flavors, colors, and textures, and among its lesser-known yet utterly delicious dishes are molletes. Often overshadowed by tacos and burritos, molletes vegetarian sandwich offer a unique culinary experience that merges simplicity with taste. This article explores the origin, preparation, cultural significance, and variations of these delectable open-faced vegetarian sandwich.
Molletes trace their origins back to medieval Spain, where the term “mollete” referred to a type of soft, round bread similar to a bun or roll. When Spanish conquistadors and settlers brought their culinary traditions to Mexico, the concept of the mollete adapted to local ingredients and tastes. Over time, the Mexican mollete evolved into what we recognize today: crusty bread halves topped with refried beans, cheese, and a variety of other toppings, baked until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
This vegetarian sandwich is nutritious, simple, and fast to prepare with ingredients such as beans, cheese and vegetable salsa. If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, the Molletes is a similar type of Mexican version.
Benefits of Cheese:
Cheese adds a good source of calcium and protein, which are vital for bone health and muscle repair, respectively. Cheese provides vitamin B12, which is particularly important for vegetarians since it’s mostly found in animal products. This sandwich can also be lower in saturated fats compared to meat-based options, especially if you choose cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese, contributing to a healthier heart. The combination of these nutrients in a single meal can enhance satiety, support immune function, and provide a balanced intake of macronutrients, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
Mashed beans is a good protein source and it is very common to use beans in the Mexican diet. Adding cheese and vegetable sauces make it tasty, nourishing and a healthy food choice. If you are Vegan, you can use Vegan Cheese substitutes that are available or an Avocado spread instead of regular cheese. Here are step-by-step guide to prepare the molletes.
Ingredients for making (per serving)
-Mashed beans (2 teaspoons)
-Cheese (as required)
-Baguette (Bread)
-Butter (optional)
-Onion (20gm)
-1 Tomato
-Coriander (50gm)
-1 Lemon (one slice)
Prepare the “Pico de Gallo” sauce for topping:
-Fine chop onion, tomato and coriander
-Add lemon juice to the fine chopped items above and mix them well
-Add salt and pepper as required
Cooking Step by Step:
Step 1: (Preheat the Oven)
-Preheat the oven or convection toaster oven to 450°F (220°C).
Step 2: (Brown the Baguette with butter)
-Heat a skillet or cooking pan over medium heat.
-Spread the butter over the cut sides of the Baguette or bread.
-Place the bread slices with the cut sides down on the hot skillet or pan.
-Watch closely until the bread slice gets lightly golden brown in a minute or two.
Step 3: (Prepare the Baguette / bread for grilling)
-Spread the mashed beans over the toasted side of the baguette or bread.
-Place a layer of regular cheese (preferably Cheddar cheese) or any Vegan alternative of your choice.
-Place the Molletes in the oven until the cheese is melted and turned golden brown, usually ready in about 5 minutes.
Step 4: (Spread sauce and serve)
-Spread “Pico de Gallo” sauce or “Salsa” on top of the warm mollete with the beans and melted cheese
Vegetarian sandwich like Molletes are more than just a dish; they are a part of Mexican daily life, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a late-night snack. They’re straightforward to make, which aligns with the Mexican ethos of hospitality where food is about feeding souls with love and warmth. In many homes, molletes are a quick solution for feeding the family something nutritious and satisfying.
Mexican molletes are a testament to how traditional foods evolve while maintaining their essence. They encapsulate the spirit of Mexican cuisine – easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and versatile. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet village, molletes offer a slice of comfort that’s both nourishing and delicious. Next time you’re looking for a different yet comforting vegetarian sandwich, give molletes a try; they might just become your new favorite.