Colombian Garullas with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped bell peppers (assorted colors) 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped green onions 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped green onions
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
4. 4.
   Fold in the grated cheese, bell peppers, and green onions.
5. 5.
   Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake, spreading it slightly with the back of the spoon.
7. 7.
   Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Garullas warm with your favorite accompaniments.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the pancakes.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to achieve a gooey interior.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the Garullas with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for a tangy twist.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile.
• Make a larger batch of Garullas and freeze the leftovers for a quick and delicious snack or breakfast option.
• If you prefer a thinner pancake, add a little more milk to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Garullas as a side dish alongside grilled meats, soups, or stews. They also make a delightful breakfast or brunch option when served with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Garullas on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley, to add a pop of color. Serve them warm to showcase their crispy exterior.