Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran Yuca and Loroco Baskets with Achiote Chicken and Toasted Corn Cream
Small baked baskets made from mashed yuca and loroco, filled with achiote-seasoned chicken and onion, served with a silky toasted corn cream and a touch of fresh cilantro. An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors.
Ingredients
- 700 g peeled yuca, cut into chunks (for the base of the canastitas)
- 40 g chopped loroco (fresh or descongelado)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 250 g cooked shredded chicken breast (skinless)
- 100 g chopped white onion (divided)
- 6 g minced garlic
- 15 g achiote paste
- 1 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 60 ml chicken broth or water (for humedecer the relleno)
- 180 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
- 120 ml table cream
- 120 ml milk
- 14 g butter
- 1 g black pepper
- 8 g chopped fresh cilantro (for terminar)
- 15 ml lime juice (for dar frescura)
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. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Lightly grease a muffin tin with a little of the vegetable oil.
- 2
2. Cook the yuca in a pot with plenty of water and 1 teaspoon of the salt until very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, remove any tough fibers from the center, and mash while still hot into a firm puree.
- 3
3. Mix the mashed yuca with the chopped loroco and 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and press them into the muffin tin to form baskets with a base and sides.
- 4
4. Bake the yuca baskets for 15 minutes at 400°F / 200°C, or until firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- 5
5. While they bake, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté half of the white onion and the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- 6
6. Add the achiote paste, cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the aromas.
- 7
7. Stir in the shredded chicken and the chicken broth or water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring well, until the filling is moist and well seasoned. Turn off the heat and add half of the lime juice.
- 8
8. In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining white onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the corn kernels and lightly toast them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until they develop roasted notes.
- 9
9. Transfer the corn and onion to a blender with the cream, milk, and remaining salt. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, without boiling hard, until slightly thickened. Add the remaining lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 10
10. Remove the baskets from the oven. Fill each one with the achiote chicken and bake 5 minutes more at 400°F / 200°C so the filling heats through and the flavors come together.
- 11
11. Serve the baskets hot over a spoonful of toasted corn cream and finish with chopped fresh cilantro on top.
Chef tips
If the mashed yuca feels too moist, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes so steam can escape before shaping the baskets. To unmold more easily, run a small knife around the edge right after baking.
Substitutions
You can use cooked chicken thigh instead of breast for a juicier filling. If loroco is unavailable, use a small amount of very finely chopped green beans for texture, though the flavor will be different. The cream can be replaced with half cream and half evaporated milk.
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 imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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