Breads & doughs
Colombian sweet corn parcels with cheese
Freshly ground sweet corn mixed with sweetened water and salt, with fresh cheese in the centre, wrapped in corn husks and boiled in water.
- Total time
- 90 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- Colombian
Ingredients
Method
Prepare the husks
Carefully peel the ears, keeping the husks whole. Wash them and reserve the broadest ones for wrapping; cut strips from smaller husks for ties.
Cut off the kernels
Cut the kernels from the cobs. Measure 900 g of fresh kernels and remove bits of cob or silk.
Grind and season
Grind the corn to a coarse paste. Dissolve the panela in 100 ml warm water; gradually add this sweetened water and the salt. Mix to a thick dough that holds on a spoon.
Add the cheese
Overlap two husks if narrow. Place one eighth of the dough in the centre and press in 20 g fresh cheese; cover with a little dough.
Wrap and tie
Fold husks over the dough, close the ends and tie without squeezing too tightly. Make eight well-sealed parcels.
Boil submerged
Put the parcels in a wide pot and completely cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower to a gentle boil and cook covered for 45 minutes. Add hot water if needed to keep them submerged.
Rest and serve
Lift out with tongs and rest 10 minutes to firm. Carefully open one: the corn dough should be firm and hot in the centre. Serve in its husk.
The step photos are illustrative.
Notes
Tips
Adjust panela to the corn's sweetness; nutrition assumes 40 g. Use fresh cheese suitable for cooking. Remove the husk before eating.
Nutrition facts
1 parcel
- Protein
- 7.4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 27 g
- Fat
- 5.6 g
Estimate per parcel from 900 g edible corn kernels, 40 g panela and 160 g cheese; husks and cooking water are excluded. Corn and cheese varieties change values.
Reference source: USDA FoodData Central; perfiles genéricos de maíz dulce fresco, panela y queso fresco
For general information only; it does not replace advice from a qualified health or nutrition professional.
About this recipe
Freshly ground sweet corn mixed with sweetened water and salt, with fresh cheese in the centre, wrapped in corn husks and boiled in water.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the parcel fall apart?
A runny dough or loose wrapping lets corn escape. Add sweetened water gradually and tie the husks securely.
Is it steamed?
This version is boiled fully submerged in water. Keep a gentle boil and ensure the parcels remain covered.
Can I use dried corn or precooked corn flour?
This recipe relies on freshly ground tender corn; those substitutions require different hydration and a different method.
