Dear chefs of the web, how are you doing? Today we embark on a gastronomic journey through Mexico with a recipe that you will surely love: yucatecan marquesitas.
These crunchy delights are a perfect fusion of sweet and savory, and with my support, you’ll learn how to make them at home hassle-free. Get comfortable, grab your apron and let’s explore this together gem of Mexican cuisine.
About the Marquesitas
Marquesitas are a traditional dessert originating from Yucatán, Mexico. They are characterized by being crunchy rolls, similar to a thin wafflefilled with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients. The classic filling includes grated queso de pelota (known as Edam cheese) and cajeta, a Mexican dulce de leche.
Los mexican sweets They are an essential part of Mexico’s rich culinary tradition, reflecting the country’s history, culture and creativity. Among them, some of the most emblematic sweets are: alegrÃas, cajeta, peanut marzipan, tamarind, churros, wafers, and candy lollipops.
This particular dessert has gained popularity not only in Yucatan, where it is sold in street stalls and fairs, but in many other regions of Mexico, becoming a delicacy appreciated for its mix of flavors and unique texture.
What are marquesitas and why are they so popular in Yucatán?
Returning to those who summon us, the marquesitas are a traditional dessert from Yucatán, in Mexico. This sweet has a relatively recent history. Were created in the decade of 1930 by an ice cream man in Mérida, Yucatánwho decided to offer something different during the colder months.
Thus these crunchy delicacies were born, which quickly became a local success and, eventually, a gastronomic symbol of the region.
Experiment with flavors: innovate with traditional Marquesitas
Although this recipe was born as a classic Mexican recipe, where the Edam cheese and cajeta They were the most classic ingredients, over time they have been reinvented to adapt to modern tastes.
- Nowadays it is possible to experiment with a wide variety of fillings and combinations that go beyond the traditional.
You can easily find marquise options with hazelnut cream and banana slicesor add freshness with cheese and fruits like strawberries or kiwi.
If you prefer something further, you can try innovative fillings with caramel or even savory ingredients like jalapenos and cheddar cheesefor a bold contrast of flavors.
Delicious Marquesitas Variants to Try at Home
Las marquesitas They are very versatile, and you can adapt them to your taste. Here some ideas:
- With nutella and banana: A classic combination that never fails.
- With cheese and jalapeño: For lovers of salty and spicy.
- With fresh fruits: Add strawberries, kiwi or mango for a fresh touch.
This ability to adapt has not only kept marquesitas updated to new modern tastes, it has also expanded its popularity, being a versatile dessert that easily adapts over time.
Key ingredients to prepare authentic Marquesitas
The preparation of yucatecan marquesitas It requires simple but fundamental ingredients to achieve that perfect combination of crunchiness and flavor that characterizes them. Below are the key ingredients you’ll need to create this delight at home:
- wheat flour: This is the main ingredient to make the base of the dough, the flour will be necessary so that the marquesitas have body and firmness when cooked.
- Egg: Essential ingredient to give lightness and cohesion to the dough, ensuring that it is thin, crispy and with the right consistency to form the marquises.
- Leche: The milk softens the dough and makes it easier to spread into a thin, uniform layer, which is crucial to achieving the characteristic crunchy texture of marquesitas.
- Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness, but also helps the dough acquire a golden color when cooked, giving the marquesitas that appetizing appearance.
- Melted butter: Butter is key to obtaining a crunchy texture in marquesitas. When melted, it mixes well with the other ingredients, helping the dough to brown evenly.
- Vanilla essence: A touch of vanilla essence gives a soft and aromatic flavor to the dough, this complements its flavor with the other ingredients and improves the finish of the marquesitas.
- Edam: Known as queso de pelota, it is the traditional filling that provides a salty contrast that balances the sweetness of the dough and creates a unique and delicious flavor.
- Cajeta: This Mexican dulce de leche is another traditional ingredient to fill marquesitas. Its creamy consistency and caramel flavor perfectly complement the crunch of the dough and the salty touch of the cheese.
Tips and tricks to make perfect marquesitas at home
If this is your first time preparing marquesitas, here are some tips and tricks that will help you achieve delicious results more easily. By following these simple steps, you can master this traditional recipe and adapt it to your personal tastes.
- Experiment with fillings: Although queso de pelota and cajeta are the classics, don’t hesitate to try other ingredients such as hazelnut cream, jam, chocolate or fresh fruits. This will allow you to create new flavor combinations and surprise your palate.
- Control the heat: The key to perfect marquesitas is in the temperature. If you notice that they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent them from burning before they are completely crispy.
- Prepare in advance: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will not only save you time, but will also allow the flavors to blend better, resulting in a tastier, easier to handle dough.
Marquesitas are a recipe that invites creativity, perfect for experimenting. In addition to the tips above, you can customize them with additional ingredients o different presentations using molds to give them unique shapes or adding homemade spices and sauces for a special touch. There are no limits to experimenting with this dessert, allowing you to leave your own mark on each crunchy and delicious bite.
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Yucatecan Marquesitas Recipe
Yield: 8 units
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 4 eggs plus 2 egg whites
- â…” cup of sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup of flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…” cup whole cow’s milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling (optional):
- 2 cups grated Edam cheese
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- Jam to taste
Marquesitas recipe step by step:
- Put all the ingredients for the dough (except the optional ingredients for the filling) in a blender and blend until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough. Let sit at least 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Stir well before using.
- Heat a 25cm diameter crepe pan or a flat-bottomed non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, pour ¼ cup of the batter and spread it in a circular motion to cover the entire pan with a very thin layer. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes until the base is golden. Use a spatula to loosen the edges and flip the crepe. Cook for a further 30-60 seconds until both sides are golden brown and the crepe is crispy.
- Place the filling of your choice (approximately 2 tablespoons of Edam cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate cream or jam).
- Roll the crepe to form a large, wide roll. Remove from pan and let cool slightly; the dough will become crispy like an ice cream cone. Ready, all that’s left to do is enjoy!
Source: www.paulinacocina.net