Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn chalupitas with achiote chicken, radish slaw, and lime crema
Small crispy corn chalupitas topped with achiote-braised chicken, a fresh radish and cabbage slaw, and a bright lime crema. This is an original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors, perfect for lunch or dinner with contrasting textures and acidity.
Ingredients
- 240 g masa harina (for the chalupitas)
- 360 ml warm water (approx., for the dough)
- 6 g salt (divided entre dough, chicken and ensalada)
- 80 ml vegetable oil (for frying and cocinar)
- 450 g shredded chicken breast (cocida or for cocer en the sauce)
- 20 g achiote paste (for the chicken)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped)
- 150 g white onion (mitad for the chicken, mitad for the ensalada)
- 9 g garlic (chopped)
- 100 g green pepper (chopped)
- 2 g ground cumin (for the chicken)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the chicken)
- 120 ml chicken broth or water (for guisar the chicken)
- 180 g green cabbage (for the ensalada)
- 120 g radishes (sliced finas)
- 45 ml lime juice (divided entre ensalada and cream)
- 4 g sugar (for balancear the ensalada)
- 120 ml Salvadoran crema or sour cream (for servir)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (for terminar)
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. In a bowl, mix the masa harina with 1 teaspoon salt and gradually add the warm water until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- 2
2. While the dough rests, make the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the onion, the garlic, and the green pepper; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- 3
3. Add the tomato, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, mashing the tomato to create a thick sauce.
- 4
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and the chicken broth or water. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring, until the liquid reduces and the chicken is well seasoned and juicy. Keep warm.
- 5
5. For the slaw, combine the green cabbage, radishes, remaining onion, 2 tablespoons lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss well and let stand for 10 minutes so it softens slightly.
- 6
6. In another bowl, mix the Salvadoran crema or sour cream with the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 7
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll into balls and flatten into discs about 3 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.
- 8
8. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Fry the masa discs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp. Transfer to paper towels.
- 9
9. If you want to keep them warm, place the fried chalupitas on a tray and hold them in the oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for 5 minutes while you finish assembling.
- 10
10. To serve, top each chalupita with a spoonful of achiote chicken, a little radish-cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- 11
11. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately to keep the contrast between crisp, juicy, and fresh textures.
Chef tips
For crispier chalupitas, do not make them too thick and make sure the oil is properly hot before frying. The slaw can be made 20 minutes ahead so the flavors develop without losing freshness.
Substitutions
You can use shredded chicken thigh instead of breast. If Salvadoran crema is unavailable, use sour cream. Green pepper can be replaced with sweet green pepper or bell pepper.
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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