Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and ripe plantain dumplings stuffed with red beans, fresh cheese, and annatto tomato sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: soft corn and ripe plantain dumplings filled with seasoned red beans and fresh cheese, steamed and served with a homemade annatto tomato and onion sauce. The flavor is comforting, slightly sweet, and well balanced.
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh corn masa (for the dough base)
- 250 g ripe plantain (pelado and cut sliced)
- 30 g butter (derretida)
- 6 g salt (divided entre dough, frijoles and sauce)
- 240 g cooked red beans (escurridos)
- 120 g white onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 6 g garlic (chopped)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 g ground cumin (for the relleno)
- 120 g fresh cheese (cut en 12 cubes small)
- 180 g banana leaves (limpias and cut en 12 cuadros of unos 20 cm/8 in)
- 500 g ripe tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 g annatto powder (for the sauce)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the sauce)
- 180 ml water (for licuar the sauce and ajustar the dough si hace falta)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Pass the banana leaves over an open flame for a few seconds on each side, or warm them in the oven at 250 °F / 120 °C for 3 to 4 minutes until pliable. Set aside.
- 2
2. Cook the ripe plantain in a pot with enough water for 10 to 12 minutes, until very soft. Drain and mash into a smooth puree.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, mix the fresh corn masa with the plantain puree, melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and easy to shape. If too firm, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the water gradually.
- 4
4. For the filling, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté half of the onion and the garlic for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- 5
5. Add the cooked red beans, ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, lightly mashing to create a thick filling. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 6
6. Divide the dough into 12 portions. Make a cavity in each portion, add 1 tablespoon of bean filling and 1 cube of fresh cheese, then seal well and shape into oval dumplings.
- 7
7. Wrap each dumpling in a square of banana leaf and fold to enclose. Place them in a steamer.
- 8
8. Steam for 25 minutes over medium heat, keeping the water at a gentle simmer. The dumplings should feel firm to the touch.
- 9
9. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and cook for 2 minutes.
- 10
10. Stir in the ripe tomatoes, annatto powder, dried oregano, and remaining salt. Add the water and cook for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes break down.
- 11
11. Carefully blend the sauce until smooth, then return it to the saucepan and cook 3 minutes more so it thickens slightly.
- 12
12. Serve the dumplings hot, partially unwrapped from the banana leaf, with the annatto tomato sauce spooned over the top or on the side.
- 13
13. If you want to reheat them, place them covered in the oven at 300 °F / 150 °C for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through.
Chef tips
If the corn masa is very moist, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before shaping the dumplings. You can also lightly oil the banana leaves to prevent sticking.
Substitutions
You can substitute the fresh cheese with firm curd cheese or well-drained quesillo. If you do not have annatto powder, use sweet paprika, though the flavor will be different. The red beans can be replaced with cooked black beans.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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