Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and green bean patties with quesillo center, white bean cilantro cream, and oregano carrot slaw
Golden patties made with corn masa, finely chopped green beans, and a soft quesillo center, served with a light white bean cilantro cream and a fresh oregano carrot slaw. An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors.
Ingredients
- 300 g corn masa dough (for the base of the tortitas)
- 120 g green beans (finely chopped)
- 140 g Salvadoran quesillo cheese (cut en 8 cubitos)
- 80 g white onion (finely chopped; divided)
- 6 g garlic (chopped)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 240 g cooked white beans (escurridos)
- 120 ml Salvadoran cream (for the cream of frijol)
- 120 ml water (for ajustar the cream of frijol)
- 120 g carrot (grated fina)
- 100 g green cabbage (finely fileteado)
- 30 ml white vinegar (for the curtido)
- 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 g dried oregano (divided)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (for sofreír and dorar)
- 8 g salt (or to taste; divided)
- 1 g black pepper (divided)
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, combine the grated carrot, shredded cabbage, white vinegar, lime juice, 1 g (1/2 tsp) dried oregano, 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Lightly massage with clean hands and let rest for 20 minutes while you prepare the rest.
- 2
2. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, about 325°F / 165°C surface temperature. Add half of the chopped white onion and the garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
3. Add the cooked white beans, Salvadoran cream, water, half of the cilantro, 1 g (1/2 tsp) dried oregano, 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring so it does not stick.
- 4
4. Transfer the bean mixture to a blender or process with an immersion blender until smooth and thick. If needed, add one or two extra tablespoons of water. Keep warm over very low heat, about 180°F / 82°C.
- 5
5. In the same skillet, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil over medium heat, about 325°F / 165°C. Add the remaining white onion and the chopped green beans. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the green beans soften and excess moisture cooks off. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- 6
6. Place the corn masa dough in a bowl and mix with the sautéed green beans, the remaining cilantro, 4 g (about 2/3 tsp) salt, and the rest of the black pepper. Knead for 1 minute until well combined.
- 7
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm, place one cube of Salvadoran quesillo in the center, and seal to form a patty about 7 cm (3 inches) wide. Repeat with the remaining portions.
- 8
8. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C surface temperature. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until well sealed, crisp outside, and hot inside. The cheese should melt slightly.
- 9
9. If you want to keep them warm, transfer them for 5 minutes to an oven preheated to 200°F / 95°C while you plate everything.
- 10
10. Serve the patties over a base of white bean cilantro cream and add the oregano carrot slaw on top or on the side. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
Chop the green beans very finely so the dough does not crack. If the masa feels dry, lightly wet your hands with a bit of water while shaping the patties. The bean cream should be thick enough to support the patties when plated.
Substitutions
You can replace quesillo with a good melting fresh cheese or low-moisture mozzarella. If white beans are unavailable, use cooked red beans for a deeper flavor. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley, though the taste will be less traditional.
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 imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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