Plato Paceño with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) white corn kernels 2 cups (400g) white corn kernels
• 1 cup (200g) purple corn kernels 1 cup (200g) purple corn kernels
• 1 cup (200g) fava beans 1 cup (200g) fava beans
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (150g) creamy cheese, cubed 1 cup (150g) creamy cheese, cubed
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 roasted bell peppers, peeled and diced 2 roasted bell peppers, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the white and purple corn kernels until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pot, boil the fava beans until they are cooked but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, boil the diced potatoes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   To assemble the dish, divide the cooked white and purple corn kernels, fava beans, potatoes, and cheese among serving plates.
7. 7.
   Pour the spicy tomato sauce over the ingredients in each plate.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn — If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels as a substitute. Thaw them before cooking.
• Fava beans — If fresh fava beans are not available, you can use canned fava beans. Rinse them thoroughly before using.
• Roasted bell peppers — You can roast the bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Then, place them in a sealed plastic bag for a few minutes to steam. This will make it easier to peel off the skin.

Tips & Tricks

• For added smokiness, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika over the dish before serving.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of paprika or omit it altogether.
• Serve Plato Paceño with a side of fresh avocado slices for a creamy and refreshing contrast.
• If you can't find creamy cheese, you can substitute it with feta or queso fresco.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add grilled chicken or beef as a protein option.

Serving advice

Plato Paceño is traditionally served as a main course. It is best enjoyed hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or Bolivian-style rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To present Plato Paceño beautifully, arrange the colorful ingredients in a visually appealing manner on each plate. Drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of green.