Salvadoran ayote and alguashte cakes stuffed with fresh curd, roasted tomato chirmol, and lime-dressed radishes

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the cubed ayote squash in a pot with enough water and 3 g salt. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, return the hot squash to the pot, and mash into a thick purée. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   While the squash cools slightly, make the chirmol. Roast the tomatoes and green chili on a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat, or in the oven at 425 °F / 220 °C, for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them, until blistered in spots and softened.

3. 3

   Finely chop the roasted tomatoes and roasted green chili. Mix them with 40 g white onion, 10 g chopped cilantro, 2 g salt, and 15 ml lime juice. Set the chirmol aside so the flavors can meld.

4. 4

   In a bowl, combine the radishes with the remaining 15 ml lime juice, 1 g salt, and the black pepper. Toss well and let stand while you cook the cakes.

5. 5

   For the dough, add the nixtamalized corn flour, alguashte, egg, 40 g white onion, 10 g chopped cilantro, and 2 g salt to the squash purée. Mix until you have a soft, shapeable dough. If it feels too wet, let it rest for 5 minutes so the flour can absorb moisture.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Take one portion, flatten it in your palm, place a spoonful of crumbled fresh curd in the center, and seal carefully. Flatten again into a cake about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.

7. 7

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden outside and heated through inside. Cook in batches so the pan is not overcrowded.

8. 8

   Transfer the cakes to a paper towel-lined plate. If desired, sprinkle a little extra alguashte on top while they are still hot.

9. 9

   Serve two cakes per portion with a generous spoonful of roasted tomato chirmol and a portion of lime-dressed radishes. Finish with the remaining cilantro on top.