Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and mora herb fritters with seared fresh curd, tomatillo sauce, and sesame
An original Salvadoran-inspired recipe made with corn masa, chopped mora leaves, and onion, pan-seared until crisp outside and tender inside. Served with seared fresh curd and a warm roasted tomatillo sauce finished with toasted sesame for a vegetable-forward dish with traditional flavor.
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh corn masa (for formar the tortitas)
- 120 g mora leaves (lavadas and chopped finely)
- 100 g white onion (chopped finely)
- 6 g garlic (finely chopped)
- 6 g salt (divided)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 g ground cumin (optional)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for cocinar)
- 200 g Salvadoran fresh curd cheese (cut en 8 slices gruesas)
- 300 g tomatillos (without peel and lavados)
- 150 g red tomato (partido en cuartos)
- 60 g mild green pepper (in strips)
- 18 g sesame seeds (tostado)
- 12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 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. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Place the tomatillos, red tomato, and mild green pepper on a tray. Drizzle with 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil and sprinkle with a pinch of the salt. Roast for 18 minutes at 400°F / 200°C, until softened and lightly browned.
- 2
2. While the vegetables roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil and sauté the white onion for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add the chopped mora leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn masa with the cooked mora, onion, and garlic mixture. Add the remaining salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Knead with your hands until the mixture is even and smooth. If it feels too dry, add 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) of the measured water for the sauce.
- 4
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into round fritters about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
- 5
5. Once the roasted vegetables are ready, transfer them to a blender with 60 ml (1/4 cup) water, half of the toasted sesame seeds, and half of the fresh cilantro. Blend until you have a slightly thick sauce. Add the remaining water little by little if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- 6
6. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sesame integrates and the flavor concentrates.
- 7
7. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil and cook the fritters in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Keep warm.
- 8
8. In the same skillet, place the slices of Salvadoran fresh curd cheese and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side over medium heat, until heated through and lightly browned at the edges without falling apart.
- 9
9. To serve, place two fritters on each plate, spoon the warm tomatillo sauce over or alongside, add two slices of seared fresh curd, and finish with the remaining toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro.
- 10
10. Serve immediately while the fritters are still crisp, the sauce hot, and the cheese soft inside.
Chef tips
If the dough feels too wet, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before shaping the fritters. Toasting the sesame in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes greatly improves the sauce flavor.
Substitutions
You can replace cuajada with a firm fresh cheese that holds its shape when heated. If mora leaves are unavailable, use spinach or Swiss chard, though the flavor will be less traditional. Miltomate can be replaced with standard tomatillos.
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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