Telera (Mexican Bread)

Chef’s notes

Telera bread, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, serves as the perfect foundation for sandwiches. I recently prepared this homemade Telera bread recipe for our local Nostr meetup group, Nostr Phx, where I crafted delicious ham sandwiches filled with a medley of flavors—Havarti cheese, seared Panela cheese, Butter Lettuce, Campari Tomatoes, Avocados, and a zesty Chipotle Mayonnaise. To add an extra kick, I also made Pickled Jalapenos as an optional topping for the Tortas. It was a joy to share these treats while immersing ourselves in discussions about Nostr, Bitcoin, and Nostr Product Marketing.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
• 🍳 Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups water (about 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt

Directions

1. In a cup, add warm. (I place water without ingredients in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it, then I verify with a thermometer to be around 115 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Mix the water, sugar, and yeast then place them in a warm place to activate the yeast for about 10 minutes. The yeast will feed off the sugar, and the warm water environment will help the yeast expand to activate.
3. In a bowl, mix to combine all dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, and butter.
4. After the activation time for the yeast liquid, start adding it to the dry ingredients in smaller splashes to combine. You will want the dough to be moist but not wet.
5. Begin kneading the dough in the bowl, then transfer it to a countertop. Fold the dough in half towards you. Push the heel of your hand firmly into the dough, then fold it back over itself. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat steps 2 and 3. Continue kneading for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the smooth dough back into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about 40 minutes in a warm place. (I add a plastic wrap over the bowl then place the kitchen towel inside of the oven with the light on).
7. After the resting time, remove the dough from the bowl onto the countertop to divide it into 8 parts.
8. Round the 8 parts of dough into a ball shape. As you’re shaping each one, cover them with a kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
9. Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes.
10. Grab one of your pieces of dough and add flour to both sides, then lightly flatten it and place it on your countertop. Use your index finger to make two line indentations.
11. After you shape your ball, place it back under your kitchen towel.
12. Once all of them are shaped, bake at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 21-25 minutes or until the bread is lightly golden brown. Optionally, add 2 cups of water in a separate oven-safe bowl to create steam.
13. Remove from the oven, then place on a wire rack covered with a kitchen towel for a couple of minutes.
14. Enjoy on its own, with butter, or make a delicious Torta.