The holidays are here, and that means holiday gathering season is in full swing. From friends to family, and even workplace parties, there’s no shortage of events this time of year. Even if you’re not hosting, it’s a good idea to have a few recipes at the ready so you don’t show up empty-handed. At California Burritos, we’re just as proud of our Salvadorian cuisine as our Mexican offerings, so we’re sharing a few of our favorite Salvadorian appetizers.
Spice up the holiday spread with Salvadorian cuisine! Here are some of our favorite appetizers to bring to your next gathering.
Yuca Frita (Fried Cassava)
Yuca is the edible root of the cassava plant, and you can cook it in similar ways to potatoes. The cassava alternative to thick-cut french fries is yuca frita. These fries are traditionally topped with beans and cheese and served hot with aji chili pepper sauce.
Pupusa (Stuffed Corn Flatbread)
The pupusa is one of the most popular dishes in Salvadorian cuisine and in our restaurant. This thick corn flatbread is stuffed with cheese, ground chicharron (spiced pork), and fried loroco. You can also customize the ingredients to make pupusas vegetarian-friendly, making them the perfect appetizer for a party with guests with various dietary restrictions.
Curtido
This simple cabbage salad is easy to prepare quickly and packs plenty of flavor. The combination of cabbage and vinegar is surprisingly tasty and is the perfect topping for pupusa.
Pasteles
These deep-fried half-moon-shaped pastries are similar to empanadas and make excellent finger food. Although pasteles are traditionally filled with meat, native spices, and finely chopped vegetables, you can choose whatever fillings you think your guests will enjoy.
Empanadas de Leche
Speaking of empanadas, the Salvadorian empanada is the sweet response to pasteles. Ground plantain is formed into oval shapes, stuffed with vanilla custard, and deep-fried. Rolled in sugar and served warm, these empanadas will be a hit at your dessert table.
Ensalada
Most of us hear this word and think of a freshly chopped green salad. However, ensalada is El Salvador’s drink of choice. And the best part, you can make it ahead of time in party-sized containers. This refreshing blend of chopped pineapple, mango, and oranges is combined with pineapple juice, lemon, and water. You can spike it to make it an adult beverage!
Spice Up the Holidays with Salvadorian Cuisine
From all of us here at California Burritos, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Be sure to make time to visit us for authentic Salvadorian cuisine that will melt away the stresses of the day!