Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran sweet corn and chipilín patties with seared fresh curd and roasted tomato sesame sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional flavors of El Salvador: tender sweet corn and chipilín patties pan-seared until golden, served with seared fresh curd and a homemade roasted tomato sesame sauce. It has a homey, aromatic profile deeply rooted in Salvadoran cooking.
Ingredients
- 300 g fresh sweet corn kernels (si se usa congelado, descongelar and escurrir)
- 40 g chopped chipilín leaves (without stalks duros)
- 80 g corn flour (harina fina of maíz)
- 1 unit egg (beaten lightly)
- 60 g finely chopped white onion (divided for mezcla and sauce)
- 6 g minced garlic (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g ground black pepper (divided)
- 200 g fresh curd cheese in thick slices (puede cortarse en 8 pieces)
- 400 g ripe tomatoes (approx. 3 tomates medium)
- 18 g sesame seeds (lightly tostado)
- 20 g green chili (without semillas for menos picante)
- 10 g chopped fresh cilantro (for the sauce)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for frying and searing)
- 60 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. Preheat a griddle, cast-iron skillet, or oven to 400°F / 200°C. Roast the tomatoes, half of the chopped onion, and the green chili for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until well blistered and soft. If using a skillet or griddle, roast over medium-high heat until you get the same result.
- 2
2. While the vegetables roast, place the sweet corn kernels in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground; it should not become a smooth puree. Transfer the ground corn to a bowl.
- 3
3. Add the chopped chipilín, corn flour, egg, the remaining chopped onion, half of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl. Mix well until you have a thick, moist batter. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the corn flour absorbs some moisture.
- 4
4. Remove the roasted tomatoes, onion, and green chili. Blend them with the remaining garlic, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until you have a thick but pourable sauce.
- 5
5. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the sauce and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and concentrated in flavor. Keep warm.
- 6
6. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C at the oil surface. Scoop portions of the corn mixture, shape 8 patties, and place them in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and set.
- 7
7. In another skillet or in a free section of the same skillet, sear the slices of fresh curd cheese for 1 to 2 minutes per side over medium heat, about 325°F / 165°C at the surface, until golden outside without falling apart.
- 8
8. Serve two patties per portion, place the seared fresh curd on top or on the side, and spoon over the roasted tomato sesame sauce. Serve immediately while the patties are still crisp outside and tender inside.
Chef tips
If the mixture feels too wet because of the corn, add 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of corn flour. Toast the sesame seeds only until fragrant to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
Substitutions
You can replace the fresh curd cheese with a firm fresh cheese that can handle heat. If chipilín is unavailable, use a mild mix of baby spinach and a few mint leaves, though the final flavor will change.
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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