Best Easy Tetelas de Frijol Recipe

Triangular corn masa pockets stuffed with seasoned black beans are a beloved Oaxacan antojito. This vegetarian, healthy dish is perfect for a family meal with fresh, simple ingredients.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 240 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • masa harina 2 cups
  • warm water 1.5 cups
  • black beans, cooked 1.5 cups
  • white onion, diced 0.5 cups
  • Queso fresco, crumbled 0.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 37 g 61%
Protein 7 g 12%
Fat 6 g 23%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina with salt and gradually add warm water. Knead until a smooth, soft dough forms—about 5 minutes. Cover dough with a damp towel to prevent drying.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion with a pinch of salt until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add cooked black beans, cumin, and black pepper; cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Mash beans lightly and set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    Divide the masa dough into 6 equal balls. On a piece of parchment or plastic, flatten each ball into a 6-inch circle using your hands or a tortilla press.

  4. 4

    Place 2–3 tbsp of the bean filling in the center of each masa circle. Top with a sprinkle of queso fresco. Fold the edges over to form a triangle, fully enclosing the filling and pressing the seams to seal.

  5. 5

    Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush each tetela lightly with remaining olive oil. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until both sides are golden and slightly crisp and the masa is cooked through.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tetelas de Frijol recipe?
The defining ingredient in this recipe is masa harina, which forms the corn dough that is characteristic of Oaxacan tetelas. It provides the distinct earthy flavor and tender texture of the triangular pockets, while the seasoned black beans offer a rich, hearty filling that complements the masa perfectly.
Q. How should I control the heat to avoid burning the tetelas?
Cook the tetelas over medium heat in a well-preheated skillet or griddle. This ensures the outside browns evenly without burning while allowing the masa to fully cook through. Monitor and adjust the heat as needed, aiming for golden crispness after 4–5 minutes per side.
Q. How can I prevent the tetelas from drying out or cracking?
To maintain softness and prevent cracking, keep the masa dough covered with a damp towel while working. Also, don’t overfill the tetelas and make sure the seams are well sealed before cooking. This helps retain moisture within the pockets as they cook.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?
Each serving is approximately 140g and provides about 240 kcal, with 37g of carbohydrates (61% of calories), 7g of protein (12%), and 6g of fat (23%). This makes it a wholesome vegetarian option that's moderate in calories and rich in complex carbohydrates.
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