Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran yuca and spinach patties with queso duro blando and roasted green chile tomato sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: golden patties made with cooked yuca and fresh spinach, mixed with queso duro blando and served with a homemade roasted tomato, green chile, and onion sauce. Comforting, simple, and authentically Salvadoran in spirit.
Ingredients
- 700 g peeled yuca (cut en trozos medium)
- 120 g fresh spinach (chopped finely)
- 150 g queso duro blando or firm fresh cheese (desmenuzado)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 35 g rice flour (for dar estructura)
- 120 g white onion (the mitad chopped fina and the mitad for the sauce)
- 9 g garlic (2 cloves for the mezcla and 1 for the sauce)
- 500 g ripe tomato (for roasting)
- 60 g green chile (without semillas if desired menos picante)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for frying and for the sauce)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1000 ml water (approx., for cocer the yuca and ajustar the sauce)
- 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)
- 15 ml lime juice (for realzar 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. Place the yuca in a pot with 4 cups (1000 ml) water and 3/4 tsp (5 g) salt. Cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain, remove the tough center fiber if present, and mash the yuca while still hot into a thick puree.
- 2
2. While the yuca cooks, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Roast the tomatoes, green chiles, half of the onion, and 1 garlic clove for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them until browned with some charred spots. If you prefer the oven, roast them at 400 °F / 200 °C for 15 to 18 minutes.
- 3
3. Finely chop the remaining half onion and 2 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, just until wilted. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 4
4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed yuca, sautéed spinach, crumbled queso duro blando, beaten egg, rice flour, 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt, and black pepper. Mix well until a firm, shapeable dough forms.
- 5
5. Shape the mixture into 8 medium patties with lightly damp hands. If the mixture feels too soft, let it rest for 5 minutes so the rice flour can absorb moisture.
- 6
6. For the sauce, blend the roasted tomatoes, roasted green chiles, roasted onion, roasted garlic, lime juice, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooking water or fresh water until you get a rustic sauce.
- 7
7. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce, add 1/4 tsp (about 1 g) salt, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- 8
8. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until well browned on the outside and hot inside.
- 9
9. Serve the patties hot with the roasted green chile tomato sauce spooned over or on the side. Finish with the chopped fresh cilantro.
- 10
10. If you want to keep them warm before serving, place them on a tray in a 200 °F / 95 °C oven for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
Mashing the yuca while still hot helps create a smoother texture. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the patties so they develop a better crust.
Substitutions
You can use firm fresh cheese if queso duro blando is unavailable. Rice flour can be replaced with cornstarch in the same amount, although the texture will be slightly softer. If you do not have green chile, use green bell pepper for a milder version.
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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