Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran red bean and tender squash fritters with queso duro blando and roasted tomato alguashte sauce
An original recipe inspired by homestyle Salvadoran flavors: golden fritters made with mashed red beans and grated tender squash, bound with ground corn and egg, with bits of queso duro blando tucked inside. They are served with a roasted tomato sauce thickened with alguashte for a toasted, fragrant, and deeply traditional finish.
Ingredients
- 300 g cooked red beans, drained (majados lightly)
- 250 g grated tender squash (exprimir suavemente si suelta mucha agua)
- 180 g fresh corn masa (puede ser dough suave for tortillas)
- 100 g queso duro blando cheese (cut en cubitos small)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 80 g white onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 400 g ripe plum tomato (for roasting)
- 25 g ground toasted pumpkin seed (for espesar the sauce)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for sofreír and frying)
- 1 g dried oregano (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g black pepper (or to taste)
- 120 ml water (for ajustar 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. Place the tomatoes on a hot skillet or griddle and roast them over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them, until the skins are charred in spots and the flesh is soft. If you prefer the oven, roast them at 400 °F / 200 °C for 15 minutes.
- 2
2. While the tomatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the chopped onion and the garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
3. Add the grated tender squash to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until some of its moisture evaporates. Season with half the salt, the black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- 4
4. In a bowl, mix the mashed red beans, fresh corn masa, the beaten egg, chopped cilantro, and the cooled squash mixture. Combine well until you have a moldable mixture. If it feels too wet, let it rest for 5 minutes so the masa can absorb some liquid.
- 5
5. Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Place a few cubes of queso duro blando in the center of each portion and shape into thick fritters, sealing well so the cheese stays inside or barely peeks through.
- 6
6. For the sauce, peel the roasted tomatoes if you want a smoother texture, then blend or mash them with the remaining onion, the remaining dried oregano, the alguashte, the remaining salt, and the water.
- 7
7. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the tomato mixture and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and the alguashte is fully incorporated. Adjust salt if needed.
- 8
8. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Cook the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deeply golden outside and hot through the center. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, transfer them for 5 minutes at 350 °F / 175 °C after browning.
- 9
9. Serve the fritters hot with the roasted tomato alguashte sauce spooned over the top or on the side.
- 10
10. Enjoy right away to appreciate the contrast between the crisp crust, the soft bean-and-squash interior, and the lightly melted cheese.
Chef tips
If the mixture feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping the fritters. The tender squash should be cooked first so it does not release too much water during frying.
Substitutions
You can use tender squash if pipián is unavailable. Queso duro blando can be replaced with firm fresh cheese, though the filling will be less stretchy. If you do not have fresh masa, use rehydrated masa harina until soft and pliable.
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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