Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and watercress patties with fresh cheese, silky white bean cream, and green tomato chirmol
Golden, tender patties made with corn masa, fresh watercress, and a touch of onion, filled with crumbled fresh cheese. They are served over a silky white bean cream and finished with a roasted green tomato chirmol, creating an original dish inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors.
Ingredients
- 180 g corn masa flour (for the dough of the tortitas)
- 240 ml warm water (ajustar si es necesario for hidratar the dough)
- 60 g fresh watercress, chopped (without stalks duros)
- 60 g white onion, finely chopped (for the dough)
- 6 g salt (divided entre preparaciones)
- 1 g ground black pepper (for sazonar)
- 120 g crumbled fresh cheese (for the relleno)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (for cocinar the tortitas)
- 300 g cooked white beans (escurridos)
- 180 ml vegetable broth or water (for the cream of frijol)
- 6 g garlic (1 clove for the cream and 1 for the chirmol)
- 1 g ground cumin (for the cream of frijol)
- 60 ml Salvadoran cream (for suavizar the cream of frijol)
- 300 g firm green tomatoes (for roasting and hacer the chirmol)
- 15 g green chile (without semillas if desired menos picante)
- 8 g fresh cilantro, chopped (for the chirmol)
- 15 ml lime juice (for the chirmol)
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. In a bowl, mix the corn masa flour with the warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes until you have a soft, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 2
2. Add the chopped fresh watercress, finely chopped white onion, and ground black pepper to the dough. Mix until evenly combined.
- 3
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, make an indent in the center, add a little crumbled fresh cheese, and carefully seal it. Flatten each piece into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
- 4
4. For the chirmol, preheat a griddle, cast-iron skillet, or oven to 425 °F / 220 °C. Roast the green tomatoes, green chile, and 1 garlic clove for 10 to 12 minutes, turning as needed, until softened and lightly charred in spots.
- 5
5. Finely chop the roasted green tomatoes, roasted green chile, and roasted garlic. Mix with the chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set the chirmol aside.
- 6
6. For the silky white bean cream, place the cooked white beans, vegetable broth or water, 1 garlic clove, ground cumin, Salvadoran cream, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- 7
7. Pour the bean cream into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until hot and slightly thickened. If it gets too thick, add 1 extra tablespoon of water.
- 8
8. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the corn and watercress patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden outside and heated through. If you want to verify the hot filling temperature, aim for at least 165 °F / 74 °C.
- 9
9. To serve, spread a layer of silky white bean cream on each plate. Place 2 patties per serving on top and finish with spoonfuls of green tomato chirmol. Serve right away.
Chef tips
Chop the watercress finely so the patties do not crack while cooking. If the dough feels dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water; if it feels too wet, add a little more masa flour. Roast the green tomatoes well for a deeper chirmol flavor.
Substitutions
You can substitute the watercress with baby spinach or tender mulberry leaves. The fresh cheese can be replaced with firm cuajada cheese. Salvadoran cream can be replaced with more vegetable broth for a dairy-free version, although the flavor and texture 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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