Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran sweet corn and basil tamalitos with ricotta-style cheese filling, sautéed corn, and roasted tomato sauce
An original recipe inspired by Salvadoran flavors: soft sweet corn tamalitos scented with basil, filled with fresh ricotta-style cheese and sautéed corn kernels, served with a lightly spiced roasted tomato sauce. They are tender, aromatic, and perfect for a traditional vegetarian meal with a creative twist.
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh sweet corn kernels (for the dough)
- 120 g corn flour (dough fina tipo maseca or similar)
- 60 g melted butter (for the dough)
- 120 ml milk (for suavizar the dough)
- 12 g fresh basil, chopped (divided)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 8 g sugar (for resaltar the dulzor of the maíz)
- 12 unit soaked corn husks (for envolver)
- 200 g ricotta-style fresh cheese (relleno)
- 100 g crumbled fresh cheese (relleno)
- 120 g corn kernels (for the relleno)
- 80 g white onion, chopped (divided)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 500 g ripe tomatoes (for the sauce)
- 9 g garlic (for the sauce)
- 30 g green chile (without semillas for menos picor)
- 1 g ground cumin (for the sauce)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the sauce)
- 120 ml water (for licuar the sauce)
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 425 °F / 220 °C. Place the tomatoes, garlic, green chile, and half of the chopped onion on a tray; drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and roast for 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are well browned in spots.
- 2
2. While the vegetables roast, blend the fresh sweet corn kernels with the milk until thick but still slightly textured. Transfer to a large bowl and add the corn flour, melted butter, sugar, half of the chopped basil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until you have a moist, even batter-like dough.
- 3
3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the remaining onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels for the filling and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the ricotta-style fresh cheese, crumbled fresh cheese, the remaining basil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 1 more minute just to combine, then remove from the heat.
- 4
4. Remove the roasted tomatoes, garlic, green chile, and onion from the oven. Blend them with the cumin, oregano, water, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
5. Drain the soaked corn husks well. Spread about 3 tablespoons of dough onto each husk. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the corn and cheese filling in the center. Cover with a little more dough if needed, then fold the husks to seal the tamalitos securely.
- 6
6. Arrange the tamalitos upright in a steamer with boiling water underneath. Cover and steam for 25 minutes, until the dough is set and partially pulls away from the husk.
- 7
7. Let the tamalitos rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with the roasted tomato sauce spooned over or on the side.
Chef tips
If the dough feels too loose, add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of corn flour. If it feels too thick, mix in a little more milk. Keep the corn husks covered with a damp towel so they do not dry out while you assemble the tamalitos.
Substitutions
You can replace the basil with cilantro for a more herbal profile. The ricotta-style cheese can be swapped for ricotta or soft curds, and the fresh cheese can be replaced with crumbled queso duro blando for a more traditional flavor.
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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