Pacaya Rellena
Pacaya Rellena features tender pacaya flowers stuffed with cheese, coated in a light batter, and fried until golden brown. Often served with a simple tomato sauce, it's a unique and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 medium Pacaya flowers(cleaned and blanched)
- 120 g Mozzarella cheese(shredded)
- 2 tbsp Sour cream
- 2 large Eggs(separated)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(plus more for dredging)
- as needed for frying Vegetable oil
- 3 medium Tomatoes(for sauce)
- 1/4 small Onion(for sauce)
- 1 clove Garlic(for sauce)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pacaya flowers by blanching them in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes to soften and remove any bitterness. Drain and let them cool.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella cheese with sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 3
Carefully open the pacaya flowers and stuff them with the cheese mixture.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the flour until smooth. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture to create a light batter.
- 5
Lightly dredge the stuffed pacayas in a bit of flour, then dip them into the egg batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- 6
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the battered pacayas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 7
While the pacayas are frying, prepare a simple tomato sauce by blending tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Simmer in a small saucepan until slightly thickened.
- 8
Remove the fried pacayas from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with the tomato sauce on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the pacaya flowers are thoroughly blanched to remove any bitterness.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of oregano to the cheese filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño to the cheese filling for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of curtido for a complete Salvadoran experience.