Tetelas are a treasured Mexican recipe, particularly beloved in the Oaxaca region. Imagine delightful corn masa triangles, generously filled with savory ingredients like refried beans and, crucially, delicious Mexican Cheese. These hand-held pockets are perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, requiring only a few simple ingredients to bring to life.
What makes Tetelas truly special is their versatility. Feel free to let your culinary creativity flow with both fillings and toppings. Think creamy avocado, zesty salsa, crumbly queso fresco, or a dollop of cool sour cream to elevate your Tetelas experience. While traditional fillings often feature beans, you can also explore options like earthy mushrooms or flavorful meat. But let’s not forget the star of the show for many: Mexican cheese, adding that authentic touch and creamy texture that makes Tetelas so irresistible.
Unveiling the Origins of Tetelas
These triangular masa treats hail from the vibrant state of Oaxaca, Mexico. If Tetelas are new to you, it’s not surprising, as they are primarily enjoyed within this specific region. Similar to other beloved Hispanic staples like pupusas, tortillas, or empanadas, masa harina cornflour forms the foundation of Tetelas. Their distinctive triangular shape isn’t just for aesthetics; it maximizes the surface area, allowing the dough to cook beautifully and achieve a delightful crispness when cooked on a comal. A comal, a traditional smooth, flat griddle often made of cast iron, imparts a unique smoky flavor to the food cooked upon it, enhancing the authentic taste of Tetelas.
Masa Harina: The Heart of Authentic Mexican Flavors
Masa harina is the magic ingredient behind Tetelas. It’s nixtamalized corn flour, produced through a process where dried corn is cooked and soaked in an alkaline solution. This ancient technique, nixtamalization, not only makes the corn easier to digest but also unlocks its nutrients, making them more readily available. You can find masa harina in Mexican grocery stores and increasingly in larger supermarkets, often under brands like Maseca or Harina PAN (as a readily available alternative).
🌱 Vegetarian Friendly
🍽️ Yields 3 Tetelas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups masa harina (like Maseca brand, or Harina PAN as alternative)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil for cooking (optional)
For the Filling
- Shredded Mexican cheese such as mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, or asadero
- Refried beans
- Toppings (optional but recommended): Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, crema fresca, or your favorite Mexican cheese
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the masa harina with boiling water in a bowl. Mix quickly with a spoon until just combined. Knead the dough well with your hands until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape the Tetelas: Divide the dough into 3 equal-sized balls. Place one ball between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a tortilla press (or a flat dish/pan) to gently press the dough into a thin tortilla, about 15cm in diameter. If needed, use a rolling pin to further flatten it.
- Fill and Fold: Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap. Spread about 1 tablespoon of refried beans and a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese in the center of the tortilla. Using the bottom plastic wrap to help, fold one side of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the second side, and finally flip the third side over to enclose the filling and create a triangle shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan or comal over medium-high heat (oil is optional for a drier cook). Add the tetelas to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked tetelas to a preheated oven at 100°C (212°F) to keep warm while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tetelas hot, topped with your favorite toppings. Consider crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a drizzle of crema, or even more delicious Mexican cheese! Enjoy this taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
FAQs and Tips
- Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the masa dough in advance. Tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of Mexican cheese in the filling and as toppings! Oaxaca cheese, queso asadero, queso fresco, and Chihuahua cheese are all excellent choices that bring unique flavors to your Tetelas. Explore the wonderful world of Mexican cheese to find your perfect combination!
