New England-style Mollete

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Mexican Mollete is transformed into a New England-style dish by incorporating the flavors and ingredients commonly found in the cuisine of New England. The original Mollete typically consists of a toasted bread roll topped with refried beans, cheese, and sometimes salsa. In the New England-style Mollete, the refried beans are replaced with creamy baked beans, and the cheese is upgraded to sharp cheddar for a richer flavor. These changes give the dish a distinct New England twist while still maintaining the essence of the original Mollete. We alse have the original recipe for Mollete (Mexico), so you can check it out.

• 4 slices of crusty bread (such as French bread or ciabatta) 4 slices of crusty bread (such as French bread or ciabatta)
• 1 can (15 oz) baked beans 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
• 2 tablespoons molasses 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the baked beans, molasses, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the flavors are well combined.
3. 3.
   Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
4. 4.
   Remove the bread from the oven and evenly distribute the warm baked beans over each slice.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the beans, covering them completely.
6. 6.
   Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the Molletes cool for a minute before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baked beans — If you prefer a homemade version, you can cook dried navy beans with the same seasonings and molasses for a more personalized flavor.
• Sharp cheddar cheese — For an extra kick of flavor, you can use smoked cheddar or a blend of different cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, you can top the Mollete with crispy bacon or sliced avocado.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before broiling.
• Serve the Mollete with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, to add variety to the recipe.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve the Mollete with a bowl of New England clam chowder.

Serving advice

Serve the New England-style Mollete warm as an appetizer, brunch dish, or a light lunch. It pairs well with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Mollete with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish.