Honduran Baleadas Recipe

Flour: The base for the tortillas, providing structure and texture.

Baking powder: Helps the tortillas rise slightly, making them fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the tortillas.

Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps in cooking the tortillas.

Water: Combines with the flour to form the dough.

Refried beans: A creamy, savory filling that is a staple in Honduran cuisine.

Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy flavor; typically queso fresco or cotija.

Sour cream: Provides a tangy, creamy contrast to the beans and cheese.

Avocado: Optional, but adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

When rolling out the dough for the tortillas, make sure to use a light touch and roll from the center outward. This helps to achieve an even thickness, which ensures that the tortillas cook uniformly. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or surface, lightly dust with flour.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, although it may result in a denser texture.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve a similar leavening effect.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor but with a slightly different mineral profile.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and a softer texture to the dough.

• refried beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be mashed and seasoned to mimic the texture and flavor of refried beans.

• crumbled cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a similar crumbly texture and a tangy flavor.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor with added protein.

• avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a similar creamy texture and rich flavor with added seasonings.

• Allow the tortillas to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the tortillas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. The tortillas will stay fresh for up to a week.
• To freeze, lay the tortillas flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the tortillas to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the tortillas in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheat the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
• Store refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To freeze refried beans, place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw refried beans in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Store crumbled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Sour cream should be stored in its original container or an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within its expiration date.
• Avocado slices should be used immediately to prevent browning, but if you need to store them, sprinkle with lemon juice and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the baleadas in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.
  4. If the tortillas seem dry, you can sprinkle a few drops of water in the skillet and cover immediately to create steam.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the baleadas in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure they are heated through before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the baleadas on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the baleadas in aluminum foil.
  3. Place them in the toaster oven and heat for about 10 minutes.
  4. Ensure they are heated through before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the baleadas in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure they are heated through before serving.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and to mix in the vegetable oil and warm water to form the dough.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, vegetable oil, and warm water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the baking powder and salt precisely.

• Wooden spoon: To mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.

• Clean surface: To knead the dough and roll it out into thin circles.

• Rolling pin: To roll each dough ball into a thin circle.

• Skillet: To cook each tortilla until lightly browned.

• Spatula: To flip the tortillas in the skillet.

• Serving plate: To place the cooked tortillas before adding the toppings.

• Spreader or spoon: To spread the refried beans on each tortilla.

• Knife: To slice the avocado, if using.

Prepare the dough in advance: Mix and knead the dough the night before, then store it in the fridge.

Use canned refried beans: Save time by using canned refried beans instead of making them from scratch.

Pre-grated cheese: Buy pre-grated cheese to skip the grating step.

Ready-made tortillas: Use store-bought tortillas if you're in a hurry.

Multitask: While the tortillas cook, prepare the toppings like sour cream and avocado slices.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all the tortillas and add the fillings assembly-line style.