Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran potato and izote fritters with queso duro blando, roasted tomato sauce, and purple cabbage slaw
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: tender potato fritters with izote flower and queso duro blando, pan-seared and served with roasted tomato sauce and a fresh purple cabbage and carrot slaw.
Ingredients
- 600 g potato (pelada and cut diced)
- 120 g izote flower (limpia and chopped)
- 120 g queso duro blando (desmoronado)
- 2 units egg (batidos)
- 30 g corn flour (for dar estructura)
- 80 g white onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 6 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 8 g salt (divided or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 400 g ripe tomato (whole)
- 60 g green pepper (without semillas)
- 1 g dried oregano
- 120 ml water (for the sauce)
- 180 g purple cabbage (finely grated)
- 80 g carrot (grated)
- 30 ml white vinegar
- 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 g sugar
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
Place the potato in a pot with enough water and 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash into a thick, smooth puree.
- 2
While the potato cooks, boil the izote flower in water for 3 minutes to soften it and reduce bitterness. Drain and chop finely if needed.
- 3
In a skillet over medium heat, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil. Sauté half of the onion and half of the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the izote flower, a pinch of salt, and the black pepper; cook 2 minutes more. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- 4
Roast the tomato and green pepper on a griddle, skillet, or sheet pan until blistered and lightly charred. If using the oven, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 5
Blend the roasted tomato, green pepper, remaining onion, remaining garlic, oregano, 60 ml (1/4 cup) water, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Strain if you want a smoother sauce.
- 6
Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, adding the remaining 60 ml (1/4 cup) water if needed to adjust the texture. Taste and adjust salt, then keep warm.
- 7
In a large bowl, mix the mashed potato, sautéed izote flower, queso duro blando, beaten eggs, and corn flour. Mix until a soft, workable dough forms.
- 8
Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape into medium fritters with lightly damp hands.
- 9
In another bowl, combine the purple cabbage, carrot, white vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and remaining salt. Lightly squeeze with your hands and let rest for 10 minutes to create the slaw.
- 10
Heat the remaining oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Cook the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden outside and firm in the center. If you prefer, finish them in the oven for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) after browning.
- 11
Serve the fritters hot over roasted tomato sauce, with the purple cabbage slaw on the side.
Chef tips
For fritters that hold their shape better, make sure the mashed potato is well drained and not too wet. If the mixture feels too soft, add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of corn flour.
Substitutions
If you cannot find izote flower, you can use a small amount of sautéed spinach, though the flavor will be different. Queso duro blando can be replaced with a firm fresh cheese that does not release too much moisture.
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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