Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran corn and carrot patties stuffed with ricotta-style cheese, green chile tomato sauce, and fresh watercress salad
Golden on the outside and tender inside, these patties are made with corn masa and grated carrot, then filled with seasoned fresh ricotta-style cheese. They are served with a homemade roasted tomato and green chile sauce plus a bright watercress, onion, and lime salad. An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors.
Ingredients
- 180 g masa harina corn flour (for the dough base)
- 300 ml warm water (approx., ajustar as needed absorción)
- 100 g finely grated carrot (well escurrida)
- 70 g finely chopped white onion (divided for dough, sauce and ensalada)
- 180 g ricotta-style fresh cheese (for the relleno)
- 40 g grated hard cheese (mezclado with the requesón)
- 12 g chopped fresh cilantro (divided for relleno and ensalada)
- 400 g ripe tomatoes (for roasting and licuar)
- 30 g green chile (without semillas if desired menos picante)
- 6 g garlic (for the sauce)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for sauce and cocción)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g ground cumin (for the sauce)
- 60 g watercress (lavado and dry)
- 60 g thinly sliced radishes (for the ensalada)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 g black pepper (for the relleno and the ensalada)
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 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the tomatoes, green chile, and garlic on a small tray. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Roast for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and lightly charred in spots.
- 2
2. While the sauce ingredients roast, mix the ricotta-style fresh cheese with the grated hard cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set the filling aside.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina corn flour, grated carrot, 2 tablespoons of the chopped white onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the warm water and mix until you get a soft, moldable dough that is moist but not sticky. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- 4
4. Remove the tomatoes, green chile, and garlic from the oven. Blend them with 2 tablespoons chopped white onion, ground cumin, 60 ml water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
- 5
5. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Keep warm.
- 6
6. For the salad, toss the watercress with the radishes, the remaining chopped white onion, the remaining cilantro, lime juice, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
- 7
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, flatten it in your palm, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center, and seal carefully. Flatten again to form patties about 8 cm / 3 inches wide.
- 8
8. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and firm. Work in batches if needed so the pan does not get crowded.
- 9
9. Serve the patties hot with the green chile tomato sauce spooned over or on the side, and add the fresh watercress salad alongside.
- 10
10. If you want to keep the patties warm while finishing the batches, place them on a tray in the oven at 95 °C / 200 °F for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
Squeeze the grated carrot well so the dough does not become too wet. If the dough cracks while stuffing, lightly moisten your hands with warm water and gently seal it again.
Substitutions
You can replace the ricotta-style cheese with fresh curd cheese or crumbled fresh cheese. If watercress is unavailable, use tender lettuce or spinach leaves. The green chile can be replaced with a mild jalapeño or green sweet pepper for less heat.
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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