Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran yuca and spinach patties with fresh cheese and cumin-roasted tomato sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: patties that are tender inside and golden outside, made with cooked yuca, sautéed spinach, and fresh cheese, served with a homemade roasted tomato sauce scented with cumin. Ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 600 g peeled yuca, cut into chunks (for cocer and machacar)
- 120 g fresh spinach, chopped (lightly packed)
- 150 g crumbled fresh cheese (divided entre the mezcla and the servido)
- 1 unit egg (for ligar)
- 40 g corn flour (for dar estructura)
- 120 g white onion, finely chopped (divided)
- 9 g garlic, minced (divided)
- 500 g ripe red tomato (for roasting and licuar)
- 2 g ground cumin (for the sauce)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the sauce)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for saltear, frying and the sauce)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 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. Place the yuca in a pot with enough water and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain, remove any fibrous core if present, and mash until you get a thick purée. Let it cool slightly.
- 2
2. While the yuca cooks, preheat the oven to 425 °F / 220 °C. Place the tomatoes, half of the onion, and 2 garlic cloves on a baking tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and lightly browned around the edges.
- 3
3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and remaining garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted and the moisture has cooked off. Season with a little salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- 4
4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed yuca with the sautéed spinach, half of the fresh cheese, the egg, corn flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix well until a soft, shapeable dough forms. If it feels too wet, let it rest for 5 minutes so the corn flour can absorb some moisture.
- 5
5. Shape the mixture into 8 medium patties with lightly moistened hands, pressing well so they hold together.
- 6
6. For the sauce, add the roasted tomatoes, roasted onion, roasted garlic, cumin, oregano, water, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend until you have a slightly thick sauce.
- 7
7. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and concentrated in flavor. Adjust salt if needed.
- 8
8. In a wide skillet, heat the final tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and firm on the outside. Work in batches if needed so they do not crowd the pan.
- 9
9. Serve the patties hot with the cumin-roasted tomato sauce spooned over or on the side, and finish with the remaining crumbled fresh cheese.
- 10
10. If you want to keep them warm while finishing all batches, place them on a tray in the oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
Mash the yuca while it is still warm for a smoother texture. If the mixture sticks to your hands too much, moisten them with cold water before shaping each patty.
Substitutions
You can substitute the spinach with finely chopped tender Swiss chard. The fresh cheese can be replaced with firm shredded quesillo in the same amount. If you do not have corn flour, use a small amount of masa harina to keep the dish in a similar style.
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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