Telera (Spanish bread) facts for kids
Telera is a special kind of bread that comes from Córdoba, a city in Andalusia, Spain. It's made with simple ingredients like wheat flour, water, salt, yeast, and a bit of sourdough. What makes telera stand out is its unique shape. It looks a bit like a montera, which is the traditional hat worn by a torero (bullfighter). This shape comes from the two deep cuts, called greña, made diagonally across the bread. Telera is a type of "candeal bread," which means it stays fresh for a long time. But even when it gets a bit hard, it's perfect for making a delicious cold soup called salmorejo from Córdoba.
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What Makes Telera Special?
Telera bread is part of a group of Spanish breads known as panes candeales or "candeal breads." These breads have been made for a very long time in areas like Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Castile regions of Spain. They are special because they are made from a strong type of wheat called durum wheat. This kind of wheat helps make the bread firm and long-lasting.
Where Did the Name "Telera" Come From?
There are a couple of interesting ideas about how telera got its name. One popular story says that "telera" is a shorter way of saying tres hileras, which means "three rows." This makes sense because the two diagonal cuts on the bread divide its crust into three parts.
Another idea comes from a writer named A. Ortega Morán. He thinks the name might be linked to a part of an old plough called a "telera." This was a long iron bar that helped keep the plough straight. So, "telera" might have been used to describe something long. The Royal Spanish Academy suggests the word comes from an old Latin word, *telaria, which is related to telum, meaning 'sword'.
A famous baker and author, Ibán Yarza, says that in Spain, "telera" is used for many different breads that all share one thing: they are long in shape.
How to Enjoy Telera Bread
Telera bread is a big part of traditional Andalusian breakfasts. People often eat slices of it with fresh olive oil and a sprinkle of sugar. It's a simple but tasty way to start the day!
As mentioned before, if your telera bread gets a bit stale (hard), don't throw it away! It's the perfect ingredient for making salmorejo from Córdoba. This is a creamy, cold soup made from tomatoes, bread, and other ingredients blended together. It's a popular and refreshing dish, especially in warmer weather.
See also
In Spanish: Telera (pan español) para niños
