Introduction
Sopa Tarasca combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, resulting in a comforting soup perfect for any occasion. Paired with crispy jalapeño corn fritters, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to Mexico. In this article, we present the essential ingredients needed to create this delicious recipe, along with handy preparation and cooking times.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sopa Tarasca:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, smashed
– 1/2 tablespoon ancho chili powder
– 2 teaspoons cumin
– One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
– Two 14-ounce cans pinto beans, drained
– 2–3 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
For the Jalapeño Corn Fritters:
– 1 3/4 cups frozen corn
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup cotija cheese
– Minced jalapeño (to taste; one is usually sufficient)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for topping
– 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to prepare the ingredients while you heat the oil and gather your cooking tools.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 30 minutes, giving you a total time of about 45 minutes to prepare and cook this delicious meal. This recipe yields 4-6 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy a wholesome dish filled with authentic flavors and satisfying ingredients!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Olive Oil
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and smashed garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Spices
Sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of ancho chili powder and 2 teaspoons of cumin. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the spices’ flavors.
Add Tomatoes
Pour in the whole tomatoes from the can. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend the Mixture
Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture back to the pot.
Puree Pinto Beans
In the blender, add the drained pinto beans and 2-3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the bean puree back into the pot with the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine and simmer over low heat until ready to serve.
Prepare Corn Fritter Batter
In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of the frozen corn until it reaches a smooth-ish consistency.
Add Ingredients to Corn
In a mixing bowl, combine the pureed corn with 1/4 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cotija cheese, minced jalapeño (to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
Add Whole Corn
Gently fold in the remaining 3/4 cup of frozen corn to the batter.
Heat Vegetable Oil
Pour about 1 cup of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before frying.
Fry Corn Fritters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small rolled balls (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the corn batter into the hot oil.
Cook Until Golden
Fry the fritters until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve the Soup
Ladle the sopa tarasca into bowls and top with the corn fritters. Add crema, cotija cheese, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
Notes
Adjusting Salt
Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt according to personal preference.
Spice Level
Adjust the minced jalapeño in the fritters to control the spiciness to your liking.
Using Fresh Corn
If using fresh corn, you can substitute for the frozen corn and use about 2 cups of kernels.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup and fritters separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of hot fat, such as olive oil, over high heat. This method enhances the flavors of the ingredients by caramelizing them and releasing their natural sugars.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method where ingredients are cooked in liquid just below the boiling point. It allows flavors to meld and develop over a longer period without boiling, which can break down ingredients too much.
Blending
Blending is the process of mixing ingredients together until smooth. This technique is often used to create purees or sauces and can be done using a blender or food processor for a consistent texture.
Frying
Frying involves cooking food in hot oil, providing a crispy exterior while cooking the interior to a desired doneness. It’s crucial to maintain the appropriate oil temperature to ensure even cooking and avoid excessive oil absorption.
Mixing
Mixing combines various ingredients together to create a uniform mixture. This technique can involve stirring, folding, or whisking, depending on the desired texture and incorporation of ingredients.
Mincing
Mincing is the process of chopping food into very fine pieces. This technique is often used for garlic and jalapeños to release their flavors effectively and ensure even distribution in a dish.
Corn Processing
Processing corn involves either pureeing or incorporating it into mixtures. Pulsing a portion of corn in a food processor until smooth allows for a creamy texture in dishes like fritters, while retaining whole kernels adds texture and taste.
FAQ
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the fritters?
Yes, fresh corn can be used in place of frozen corn. Simply remove the kernels from the cob and measure the appropriate amount needed.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or queso fresco for a similar taste and texture.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the spice level of the soup, consider adding more ancho chili powder, fresh jalapeños, or other hot chili powders according to your spice preference.
Can I make the corn fritters in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make corn fritters in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer and cook the fritters at a suitable temperature, usually around 350°F, until golden brown.
How long can I store leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
The best way to reheat the soup is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave if preferred, but watch for even heating.
Conclusion
This delightful combination of Sopa Tarasca and Jalapeño Corn Fritters creates a comforting and flavorful meal that showcases the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The hearty soup paired with the crispy fritters offers a wonderful contrast in texture and taste, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
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