mmmm, humitas

Posted by Lisa on January 17th, 2006 — Posted in Misc

On Monday, Leonor brought us a traditional chilean meal, humitas. Humitas are steam cooked ground corn and spices served in a corn husk, similar to a tamale. I’m trying not to eat carbs right now, so Steve had them and he really enjoyed them. I thought I would pass on a recipe for them. Enjoy! ( I found this recipe on epicurious)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
8 ears fresh corn
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (do not let it brown), about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cut around base of each ear of corn and gently remove husks whole. Reserve husks. Brush silk off ears.

Grate kernels off corncobs into medium bowl, or slice off and pulse in processor to rough purée. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in cooked onions, milk, and red pepper flakes. Chill mixture until firm.

Preheat oven to 350° F. To assemble 1 humita, choose a thinner, more flexible inner husk and tie thin end into knot. Split up to knot and set aside to use as tie. Lay 2 of widest husks side by side (narrow ends at top and bottom), overlapping a few inches to form rectangle. Spoon 1/4 cup filling into center, then fold sides over to cover filling. Fold in top and bottom to make enclosed rectangular package. Tie crosswise with knotted husk. Repeat with remaining filling and husks. Place finished humitas on baking sheet and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.

2 Comments »