Mini Corn and Sweet Potato Cachapas with Gently Molasses-Braised Shredded Pork and Avocado Cream

Instructions

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   1. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, sweet Venezuelan pepper, and garlic; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.

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   2. Add the pork shoulder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cumin, oregano, grated panela, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes to sear and lightly caramelize.

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   3. Pour in the water, cover the pot, and cook over low heat for 55 minutes, until the pork is very tender. Uncover during the last 10 minutes if you want to reduce the liquid slightly. Shred the pork directly in the pot and keep warm.

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   4. While the pork cooks, make the cachapa batter. In a blender combine the corn kernels, cooked sweet potato, pre-cooked cornmeal, milk, egg, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until you get a thick but pourable batter.

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   5. Transfer the batter to a bowl and add the grated white cheese. Stir with a spoon until incorporated. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the cornmeal fully hydrates.

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   6. For the avocado cream, place the avocado, plain yogurt, cilantro, lime zest, the remaining tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor or blender cup. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

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   7. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease it with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour small portions of batter to form 8 mini cachapas about 10 cm or 4 inches wide.

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   8. Cook each cachapa for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side and 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, until golden and cooked through in the center. Keep the finished cachapas warm in an oven preheated to 200 °F / 95 °C while you cook the rest.

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   9. To serve, place 2 mini cachapas on each plate, top with the warm shredded pork, and finish with spoonfuls of avocado cream. If desired, add a little extra fresh cilantro on top and serve immediately.