Pacayas con Huevo (Guatemalan Palm Flower Fritters)

in Main Entrees

Pacayas are the flowers of date palms that grow commonly in Guatemala and Salvador, and as an abundant food source are commonly used in the cuisine of these Central American countries. (An interesting side note: Pacaya also happens to be the name of Guatemala’s largest volcano, which erupted last in 2014.) If you’re curious about making pacayas, you can find them in Latino markets or online. Goya sells them in large jars.

Pacayas con Huevo (Guatemalan Palm Flower Fritters)

Pacayas con Huevo (Guatemalan Palm Flower Fritters)

Recipe by Suellen PinedaCuisine: GuatemalanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

Pacayas are the flowers of date palms that grow commonly in Guatemala and Salvador, and as an abundant food source are commonly used in the cuisine of these Central American countries.

Ingredients

  • 6 FLOWERS PACAYAS (DATE PALM FLOWERS)

  • 3 EGGS SPLIT INTO 3 EGG WHITES AND 1 EGG YOLK

  • 1 TABLESPOON CORN FLOUR

  • 1½ TABLESPOON CANOLA OIL

  • 1 TEASPOON UNSALTED BUTTER

  • 4 ROMA TOMATOES ROUGHLY CHOPPED

  • 1 MEDIUM ONION CHOPPED

  • 3 GARLIC CLOVES

  • 1 SPRIG CILANTRO

  • 1/4 CUP WATER OR UNSALTED VEGETABLE BROTH

  • SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

  • MOZZARELLA CHEESE (OPTIONAL)

Directions

  • In a bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the egg yolk and continue beating until fully incorporated. Reserve.
  • Blend the tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, water or vegetable broth. Reserve.
  • Fold in the corn flour (masa harina), salt and pepper to the egg mixture. Do not overmix to keep the volume of the mixture.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add canola oil.
  • Cover each pacaya flower with the egg mixture and place in the hot oil. Turn once when golden brown. (about 2 minutes). Place pacayas on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • In the same skillet, add the teaspoon of butter. Add the tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until thickens. Return pacayas to the sauce, cover with cheese and serve immediately.