Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran ripe plantain and black bean stuffed fritters with fresh cheese, roasted tomato chirmol, and alguashte cream
An original dish inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: soft ripe plantain fritters stuffed with seasoned black beans and fresh cheese, pan-seared until caramelized outside. They are served with roasted tomato chirmol and a light alguashte cream for a toasted, deeply local touch.
Ingredients
- 4 medianos 900 g ripe plantains (pelados and cut en trozos)
- 1 taza 180 g cooked black beans (escurridos)
- 120 g fresh cheese (cut en cubitos small)
- 1/2 taza 80 g white onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 2 dientes 6 g garlic (chopped)
- 3 medianos 360 g ripe tomatoes (for roasting and picar)
- 3 cucharadas 24 g ground pumpkin seeds (alguashte) (divided)
- 1/2 taza 120 ml Salvadoran cream (for the sauce)
- 3 cucharadas 12 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 3 cucharadas 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 cucharadita 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1/4 cucharadita 1 g black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cucharadita 1 g ground cumin (for the frijoles)
- 1 cucharada 15 ml lime juice (for the chirmol)
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. Place the plantain pieces in a pot with enough water to cover them and cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until very soft. Keep the water at a gentle boil, about 212°F / 100°C. Drain well and mash until smooth.
- 2
2. While the plantains cook, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C surface temperature. Add half of the chopped onion and the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- 3
3. Add the black beans, 1 tablespoon cilantro, the cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Lightly mash the beans in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 4
4. Roast the tomatoes on a griddle, skillet, or sheet pan until the skin is charred in spots and the flesh is soft. If using the oven, roast at 425°F / 220°C for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once. Finely chop when cool enough to handle.
- 5
5. Mix the chopped roasted tomatoes with the remaining onion, 1 tablespoon cilantro, the lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to make the chirmol. Set aside.
- 6
6. In a small bowl, mix the Salvadoran cream with 2 tablespoons alguashte, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 tablespoon cilantro. Stir until smooth and lightly saucy. Set aside.
- 7
7. When the mashed plantain is warm, add 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix well. Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Take one portion, flatten it in your palm, place 1 tablespoon of the bean filling and a few cubes of fresh cheese in the center, then close and shape into an oval fritter. Repeat with the rest.
- 8
8. Sprinkle the outside of the fritters with the remaining tablespoon of alguashte to give them a light coating.
- 9
9. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C surface temperature. Cook the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized outside.
- 10
10. Serve the fritters hot with the roasted tomato chirmol on top or on the side, and finish with the alguashte cream. If desired, add the remaining cilantro when serving.
Chef tips
To shape the fritters more easily, lightly moisten your hands. If the plantain mash feels too wet, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before shaping so it firms up slightly.
Substitutions
You can use cooked red beans instead of black beans. If you do not have Salvadoran cream, use mild sour cream. Fresh cheese can be replaced with firm cuajada-style cheese.
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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