Mexican-Style Cemita Buns with Sesame Seeds Recipe
Recipe Name: Mexican-Style Cemita Buns – Traditional Sesame Sandwich Rolls
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 240 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 270 minutes
Servings: 4
These Mexican-style Cemita buns, traditional in Puebla, Mexico, offer a delightfully fluffy, slightly sweet roll with a hint of sesame that’s perfect for sandwiches. Follow this easy recipe to create your own fresh, homemade Cemitas at home, which you can fill with your favorite savory ingredients like smoked tofu, cheese, grilled vegetables, or a variety of meats for an authentic and delicious meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 1/2 tsp |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Eggs (whole) | 2 + 1 egg (for egg wash) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with sugar and pour lukewarm water over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and start bubbling.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a food processor, combine the activated yeast mixture, all-purpose flour, salt, eggs, and butter. Blend on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until you achieve a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
- Attach the dough hook to the processor and knead the mixture for another 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic, similar in consistency to cake batter.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, dusting with a little flour as needed, until you form a soft, smooth, and non-sticky dough (about 15 minutes).
-
First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with extra virgin olive oil and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
-
Deflate and Second Rise:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air, and knead it lightly for 3 minutes in the same bowl. Cover again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another hour or until it doubles in volume once more.
-
Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the dough again and knead briefly. Roll the dough into a long “snake” and cut it into equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a small, smooth ball.
- Arrange these dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for 30 minutes.
-
Bake the Cemitas:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the top of each bun with the beaten egg (for egg wash) and sprinkle a few sesame seeds on each.
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and fully cooked.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, transfer the buns to a wire rack and allow them to cool for about an hour before slicing.
- Serve the fresh Cemita buns with fillings of your choice, such as smoked tofu, grilled vegetables, cheese, or traditional Mexican-style meats.
Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy these Cemita buns as part of a savory brunch with sides like a Smoked Tofu and Grilled Vegetable Salad or Charred Corn and Radish Salad for a complete, authentic Mexican experience.
These Mexican Cemita buns are ideal for creating gourmet sandwiches or enjoying as part of a hearty meal. Their unique flavor and soft, fluffy texture make them a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether you’re crafting a sandwich or simply savoring them fresh from the oven.
