Authentic Ecuadorian Humitas Recipe

Ingredients

6 Fresh ears of corn with husks
1 Cup of diced white onion
2 Cloves of garlic, minced
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped (optional)
1 Cup of fresh white cheese (queso fresco), crumbled
1/4 Cup of heavy cream
1 Teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 Teaspoon of salt
1/4 Teaspoon of white pepper
1/4 Cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/2 Cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Steps and instructions

Carefully remove husks from the corn, making sure to keep them whole. Set them aside for later use.
Grate the corn kernels off the cobs into a large mixing bowl.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped jalapeno (if using), crumbled cheese, heavy cream, cumin, salt, white pepper, melted butter, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the corn. Mix until well combined.
Take 2 corn husks and overlap them flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of the corn mixture in the center. Fold the husks over the filling, creating a package. Tie with kitchen string to secure.
Repeat this process with the remaining corn husks and filling until all are used up.
Place the filled husks into a steamer. Steam for about 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is firm and cooked through.
Remove the humitas from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Unwrap the humitas and serve them warm, garnished with additional crumbled cheese and cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Cutting board - to safely chop and prepare ingredients
Knife - for cutting the corn off the cobs and mincing garlic
Mixing bowl - to combine the corn mixture with other ingredients
Grater - to grate the corn kernels off the cobs
Steamer - for steaming the humitas
Kitchen string - to tie the filled corn husks securely

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Variation: Omit the cheese and cream for a vegan version. Replace the cheese with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk or coconut milk instead of cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn flour or masa harina instead of regular flour for binding the mixture.
Spicy Twist: Add diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as fresh basil, parsley, or oregano to add a unique flavor profile to the humitas.
Sweet Humitas: For a sweet version, add a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to the corn mixture. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey.
Protein Boost: Include cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or pork to the filling mixture for a heartier version.
Cheese Variation: Substitute the queso fresco with other types of cheese like feta, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Grilled Humitas: Instead of steaming, grill the corn husk packets on a preheated grill for a smoky and charred flavor.
Savory Toppings: Serve the humitas with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on top for added flavor and freshness.

Recipe overview

Step into the culinary traditions of South America with this delicious Humitas recipe. A staple in Andean countries, Humitas are fresh corn cakes, steamed in their own husks, and typically enjoyed warm. They are slightly creamy, a bit cheesy, and naturally sweet from the fresh corn. This recipe takes you through the steps to make your own Humitas at home with fresh corn, white cheese, heavy cream, aromatic spices, and a hint of heat from a jalapeno pepper. With a little patience and a lot of love, these corn cakes are a pleasure to make and a joy to eat. Once steamed to perfection, the Humitas are unwrapped to reveal a soft, fragrant, and flavorful treat. Serve them hot as an appetizer or side dish, garnished with extra cheese and cilantro, and enjoy a taste of South America in your own kitchen.

Common questions

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn kernels as a substitute for fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before grating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the traditional cheese used in humitas is queso fresco, you can experiment with other varieties such as feta or mozzarella.
Can I omit the jalapeno if I don't like spicy food?
Yes, the jalapeno is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I know when the humitas are cooked?
The humitas are cooked when the filling is firm and cooked through. You can test it by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center - it should come out clean.
Can I make humitas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the humitas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to steam and serve. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Serving dishes and utensils

Steamer - A steamer is essential for cooking the humitas. It will help in steaming the filled corn husks until they are cooked through.
Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients for the filling.
Grater - A grater is required to grate the corn kernels off the cobs.
Kitchen String - Kitchen string is used to tie the filled corn husks to ensure they stay secure during the steaming process.
Knife - A knife is needed for mincing the garlic, dicing the onion, and chopping the jalapeno and cilantro.
Cheese Grater - A cheese grater is useful for crumbling the queso fresco cheese.
Kitchen Scissors - Kitchen scissors can be handy for trimming the corn husks if needed.

Origin stories

Humitas, a traditional dish of Andean regions, hails from the Inca Empire that first cultivated corn. The dish has prevailed through centuries, passing from generation to generation, deeply seeping into the fabric of several South American cultures. Often, you'll find vendors selling humitas on streets of Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, each region adding its own unique spin to the recipe. So intertwined is the tradition of humitas with daily life that it even inspired a popular saying in Chile: "Está como para hacer humitas," meaning "it's a good time to make humitas." This phrase is used when the weather is too hot or too rainy to go outside, signifying the comfort and warmth that cooking and enjoying this meal brings to people's homes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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