| Venezuelan Corn Pancakes (Cachapas) |
Cachapas are traditional Venezuelan corn pancakes made from fresh... |
Venezuelan, South American, corn, cheese, pancake, appetizer, breakfast, street food, snack, gluten-free |
{"title":"Venezuelan Corn Pancakes (Cachapas)","description":"Cachapas are traditional Venezuelan corn pancakes made from fresh corn, served with cheese. They are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, often enjoyed as street food.","short_description":"Sweet and savory Venezuelan corn pancakes filled with cheese.","full_ingredient_list":["2 cups fresh corn, cut from the cob","1 egg","1\/2 cup milk","4 tbsp masa harina","1 tbsp sugar","1 tsp salt","2 tbsp butter","8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced"],"components":[{"name":"Cachapas Batter","ingredients":[{"name":"fresh corn","quantity":"2 cups","preparation_notes":"cut from the cob","substitutions":["frozen corn, thawed"]},{"name":"egg","quantity":"1","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]},{"name":"milk","quantity":"1\/2 cup","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]},{"name":"masa harina","quantity":"4 tbsp","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":["all-purpose flour"]},{"name":"sugar","quantity":"1 tbsp","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["blender","5-1\/2 inch frying pan","spatula"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Add fresh corn, egg, milk, masa harina, sugar, and salt in a blender and blend until a thick paste forms. Let stand for about 10 minutes to thicken.","tips":"If the mixture is too thin, add more masa harina."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Preheat a frying pan over medium heat and add butter to grease it.","tips":null},{"step_number":3,"description":"Pour 1\/3 cup of batter into the frying pan to form a circle. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip with a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown.","tips":null},{"step_number":4,"description":"Place sliced mozzarella on one half of the cachapa, let it melt, and fold the other half over the cheese. Serve hot.","tips":"Spread some butter on top after folding."}]},{"name":"Cheese Filling","ingredients":[{"name":"fresh mozzarella","quantity":"8 oz","preparation_notes":"sliced","substitutions":["queso de mano"]}],"tools_and_equipment":[],"instructions":[]}],"prep_time":"10 minutes","cook_time":"50 minutes","total_time":"1 hour","servings":"6 pancakes","tags":["Venezuelan","South American","corn","cheese","pancake","appetizer","breakfast","street food","snack","gluten-free"],"notes":"If using frozen corn, defrost thoroughly and ensure any moisture has been drained off to avoid thinning the batter.","background":"Cachapas come from Venezuela, specifically from the Miranda region, where corn holds significant cultural importance. These pancakes are traditionally cooked on a clay or iron plate known as a budare and are typically served with queso de mano.","nutrition":{"calories":"222","protein":"7g","fat":"10g","carbohydrates":"25g","fiber":"2g","sugar":"5g"},"serving_suggestions":"Best served hot, can be accompanied by a side of salad or chopped vegetables for a light meal.","storage":"Cachapas are best eaten fresh due to their cheese filling, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.","dietary_info":["contains dairy"],"cooking_tips":["Ensure the pan is properly heated before adding butter for cooking."],"variations":["Use panela instead of sugar for a more traditional flavor.","Experiment with other fillings like ham."],"ingredient_spotlight":"Corn is the star of the recipe, providing a sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheese filling.","flavor_profile":{"sweet":4,"savory":5,"sour":1,"bitter":1,"umami":3},"geographic_region":"Venezuelan","seasonality":"Summer","occasion":"Breakfast, Snack","skill_level":"Beginner","cost_estimate":10,"recommended_pairings":["Green salad","Chopped vegetable salad"]} |
