Mollete

A mollete is a delightful dish that varies between Mexican and Spanish cuisine. In Spain, a mollete refers to a soft, round white bread from Andalusia, particularly famous in Antequera, Málaga. This bread is usually enjoyed lightly toasted, drizzled with olive oil, and rubbed with raw garlic. Sometimes, it's spread with lard for an extra savory touch.

In Mexico, a mollete takes the form of an open-faced sandwich, especially popular in the northern regions. It's made using bolillos, a type of bread, which are sliced lengthwise. These slices are then filled with refried beans, topped with cheese, and adorned with slices of jalapeño or serrano peppers. The entire creation is grilled until the cheese is perfectly melted. Traditional Mexican cheeses for molletes include queso ranchero, asadero, or queso menonita. In southern Mexico, you might find molletes served with salsa, pico de gallo, or additional toppings like sliced ham, chorizo, bacon, or mushrooms. It can be thought of as a distant cousin to the Italian bruschetta.

For those with a sweet tooth, there is also a sweet version of mollete. In this variation, the bolillo is spread with butter, sprinkled with sugar or honey, and broiled until it becomes deliciously crisp.

Whether you prefer the savory Spanish bread or the hearty Mexican sandwich, molletes offer a tasty and versatile treat for any meal.