After receiving my package from Bolivia, I researched Bolivian food. While majority of it isn't vegan, because it uses fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods, it can easily be adapted. After looking at many mouth watering recipes, I saw humintas and knew I had to make them. They are pretty much just the Bolivian version of a tamale. I had a hard time fiding a basic recipe online, so I based this one on several. I also used followed some advice my friend Leslie gave me.
Although they are not complicated to make, they are time consuming (especially if you have to ground your corn by hand because your blend broke like me). But, I promise they are worth it.
I made a green chili and cilantro sauce to go with them. It's a perfect compliment for the slightly sweet corn, and it's not overly hot so don't be afraid.
Green Pepper and Cilantro Sauce
1 cup cilantro
1/2 cup green onion
2 hot peppers
1/2 cup water
Pinch of salt
Red pepper flakes
If you have a blender or food processors, just throw everything in there and blend until your desired consistency.
Fresh from Farmers Market. |
I really wished I had my blender to do this |
Chop the peppers in half and remove the stem, membranes and seeds. I left a few seeds since I like it hot. Then chop finely.
Add the cilantro, green onions, and peppers to a small bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients. Mix together well, then let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors develop.
Humintas
3 cobs of corn, with husks still attached
1/2 corn meal
4 tbs Engr-G egg replacer
1 tomato
1/4 cup vegan cheese (I used Daiya mozzarella)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Only use fresh corn, canned will not work. |
Watch it, the kernels like to fly off. |
Next cut the kernels off the cobs. This can get a bit messy so I suggest doing this in a bowl so the kernels don't end up everywhere.
Mashing by hand sucks. |
Next, remove the seeds from the tomato and chopped finely. Add to the corn mixture.
Traditionally the humintas are stuffed with the cheese, but I am not that talented yet. Add the cheese and egg replacer, then season with the salt and pepper. Mix together well.
Bring a few inches of water to boil in a large pot on the stove.
In another pot, put a few inches of cold water and set aside.
Sort the corns husks into large and small pieces. The large ones are will be the wrappers and the small ones will be used to tie the humintas shut.
Once it's boiling, place the large husks into the boiling water for about 10 seconds. This makes the husks easier to work with.Then dunk straight into the cold water.
Spray a pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
Now time to fill the husks. Spread enough of the corn mixture, 2-3 tablespoons depending on size of the husks, into each husk in a thin layer. I suggest laying several husk on top of each other, it is easier to fill and tie. I also suggest oiling the inside husk before you put in the filling. I didn't do this and my huminitas stuck a little bit.
Not the easier thing to do, but it gets better with practice. |
Not the best wrapping job ever.... |
Place the humintas on the pan or cookie sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes. They are done when the husks are browned and steam is no longer coming off them.
I thought they might open, but I didn't have any more husks. |
Mine burst open because I didn't wrap them tight enough. I should have used more husks and tied them better. They still tasted amazing, and the few that did stay closed were the best ones.
I topped them with sauce and ate them while they were still hot. Since most of mine stuck to the husks, I had to scoop them out. But normally, they should come right out and be eaten freely. Sweet, cheesy, and very filling. The sauce provided a nice contrast. I can't wait to have authentic ones, let's hope I get to go to Bolivia soon!
Viva las humintas! |
The recipes I based this on:
http://www.food2.com/blog/humitas-ecuatorianas
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Andean-Humita-en-Chala-230683
http://thefrugalchef.com/2009/10/humintas-bolivian-style-tamales/
http://www.boliviaweb.com/recipes/english/humintas.htm
Thank you for the recipe! I wanted a vegan huminta recipe. I used to love these :)
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