Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and squash fritters with fresh curd center, fire-roasted tomato sauce, and crisp radish salad
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: golden corn and squash fritters seasoned with herbs, filled with soft fresh curd, served with a fire-roasted tomato sauce and a crisp radish, onion, and lime salad.
Ingredients
- 300 g peeled grated squash (escurrido lightly si suelta mucha agua)
- 160 g fresh corn kernels (pueden ir whole or apenas crushed)
- 120 g masa harina (for dar estructura)
- 140 g Salvadoran fresh curd cheese (cut en 8 cubes)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 70 g finely chopped white onion (divided for dough, sauce and ensalada)
- 12 g fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
- 1 g dried oregano
- 8 g salt (divided or to taste)
- 1 g ground black pepper
- 80 ml vegetable oil (divided for frying and cocinar the sauce)
- 400 g ripe tomatoes (for roasting and licuar)
- 60 g green pepper (in strips gruesas for roasting)
- 6 g garlic (pelado)
- 120 g radishes (sliced finas)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 90 ml water (for ajustar the dough and 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 grated squash in a bowl and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze it with your hands to remove some excess moisture without drying it out completely.
- 2
2. In another bowl, combine the grated squash, corn kernels, masa harina, beaten egg, 40 g (about 1/4 cup) of chopped onion, half of the cilantro, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 45 ml (3 tbsp) water. Mix until you get a moist, shapeable dough. If needed, add the remaining water little by little.
- 3
3. Divide the fresh curd cheese into 8 similar cubes. Take a portion of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of cheese in the center, and close it up to form a medium fritter. Repeat to make 8 fritters total.
- 4
4. For the sauce, heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Roast the tomatoes, green pepper, garlic, and 15 g (about 2 tbsp) onion until well charred and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes, turning as needed.
- 5
5. Blend the roasted tomatoes, green pepper, garlic, roasted onion, 30 ml (2 tbsp) water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until you have a rustic sauce.
- 6
6. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the blended sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Adjust salt and keep warm.
- 7
7. In a small bowl, mix the radishes, remaining onion, lime juice, remaining cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Let the fresh salad sit while the fritters cook.
- 8
8. Heat the oven to 95 °C / 200 °F to keep the cooked fritters warm.
- 9
9. Heat the remaining oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, aiming for a moderate frying temperature of about 175 °C / 350 °F. Fry the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and firm. Transfer them to the oven to keep warm while you finish the rest.
- 10
10. Serve the hot fritters over a spoonful of fire-roasted tomato sauce, with the fresh radish salad on top or on the side.
- 11
11. Enjoy immediately for the best contrast between the crisp crust, soft cheese center, warm sauce, and crunchy salad.
Chef tips
If the squash releases too much moisture, squeeze it a bit more before mixing the dough. For a more rustic texture, leave some of the corn kernels whole. Do not fry over excessively high heat so the cheese center warms through without burning the outside.
Substitutions
You can substitute the fresh curd cheese with firm queso fresco. If ayote is unavailable, use winter squash or well-drained zucchini, though the flavor will be milder. Culantro may be replaced with parsley or extra cilantro.
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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes
Salvadoran sweet plantain and red bean cakes with queso duro blando and roasted tomato chirmol
55 min
Salvadoran corn and mora herb fritters with seared fresh curd, tomatillo sauce, and sesame
55 min
Salvadoran rice and chipilín cakes with fresh cheese, carrot slaw, and creamy roasted tomato sauce
50 min
Salvadoran purple corn bites with black beans, fresh cheese, and warm cashew apple sauce
55 min
Salvadoran Yuca and Quesillo Cakes with Fresh Cucumber and Mint Salad
55 min
Salvadoran rice and mora pupusas with quesillo, beet curtido, and fire-roasted tomato sauce
65 min