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Looking for a flavorful and comforting dish that will transport your taste buds straight to South America? Look no further than this humita recipe!
This classic Argentinian recipe features a creamy consistency from fresh corn, onions, and red bell pepper. Depending on the region, it also includes squash or pumpkin. All simmered together to create a mouthwatering and satisfying vegan meal, ready in less than one hour.
Humita is a traditional dish from the Andean region of South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. This comforting dish is made primarily from fresh corn, a staple food in the region for thousands of years.
There are different variations in recipes depending on the country and region. However, I will share the one we enjoyed at my family gatherings in Argentina, which served during festivals, National Public Holidays, cold weather, and celebrations. So many memories! 💕
Humita is perfect as a main course or side dish, and it is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
HOW TO PREPARE HUMITA
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Humita is a delicious and comforting dish representing the Andean region’s rich culinary history and traditions.
It is easy and simple to prepare and only involves basic cooking techniques, simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions.
The only part that needs more work is grating some ingredients. But trust me, it is worth it when you try this creamy and tasty meal.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Regarding equipment, you’ll need the following:
- A knife and a chopping board for chopping the veggies.
- A grater to grate the corn and the butternut squash.
- A heavy bottom pot/pan, Dutch oven, or deep fry pan skillet to cook the humita.
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious humita:
- Sweet corn: the star of the recipe. We are going to grate it. This step helps to make this dish super creamy.
- Butternut Squash: some traditional recipes do not include this ingredient, but I love how they complement the corn flavor in my family recipe.
- Sweet Onion, spring onion, red bell pepper, Roma tomato: for sautéing and adding extra flavor and color to the preparation.
- And for extra flavor: paprika, ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- For serving, we are using fresh basil.
DIRECTIONS
First, we must grate corn and butternut squash to prepare this delicious humita (keep some empty corn cob in a bowl with clean water). This method will make this dish super creamy.
Then, in a large pot or pan, sauté onion and red bell pepper, with a pinch of salt and a little water as needed.
Then, add the Roma tomato, paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well to combine.
We must add the grated butternut squash when that mixture is cooked and well-integrated. Cook for 5 minutes, then add grated corn with some reserved water.
Bring the preparation to a gentle simmer, and cook the humita for about 25 to 30 minutes., stirring continuously.
Adjust seasoning if needed and serve it warm with some basil on top. And it’s time to enjoy it!
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Easy to prepare.
- Creamy.
- Healthy.
- Savory with a slight sweetness
- Comforting and delicious.
- Great for any meal and occasion.
Let’s prepare this humita!
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RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
HUMITA ARGENTINIAN RECIPE
Equipment
- 1 Soup Pot (A heavy bottom pot/pan or a Dutch oven, or a deep fry pan skillet to cook the humita)
- 1 Grater (to grate the corn and the butternut squash)
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
Ingredients
- 8 ears of sweet corn shucked (keep some empty cob in a bowl with clean water).
- ½ butternut squash around 1 lb. or 500 gr.
- 1 sweet onion large, finely chopped.
- 2 pieces spring onion finely chopped.
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped.
- 1 roma tomato finely chopped.
- 1 tsp paprika.
- ½ tsp ground cumin.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup basil leaves fresh, for serving.
Instructions
- Grate all the corn on the cobs to obtain a creamy consistency. Set aside. (Keep some empty cobs in a bowl with clean water. You will use this water later).
- Peel the ½ butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, and grate it. Set aside.
- Over medium-low heat, sauté the onion, spring onions, red bell pepper with water, and a pinch of salt in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook until onion is translucent and spring onions and pepper are soft.
- Add the Roma tomato, paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well to combine.
- When the preparation is well integrated, add the butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the grated corn, about ¼ cup of the water you kept aside, and mix well.
- Bring the preparation to a gentle simmer, partially cover with a lid, and cook the humita for 25 to 30 mins. Continue stirring until it is creamy and all ingredients are well cooked.
- Any time the preparation is too dry, you can add a little bit of the water you kept aside. Add a little at a time since you need all the liquid evaporated at the end.
- Taste and add/adjust salt and pepper and seasonings as needed.
- Serve warm with some fresh basil as toping.
Notes
- Add some water (reserved water with the empty cobs) if the humita becomes too dry while cooking. You can also add some plant-based milk or vegetable broth as needed.
- Leftovers of this Humita can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
- You could also freeze leftovers and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS HUMITA
- It is ideal for serving warm with fresh basil as toping or incorporated in the preparation. You can also enjoy it with some pieces of vegan mozzarella melted.
- You can bake it, using some casserole dish, uncovered, on the middle rack. Add some vegan mozzarella and bake it in the oven at 375 degrees F for 5 to 10 min or until the cheese on top is brown to your liking.
- You can also use it as a filling for empanadas or savory pie.
- This dish can be traditionally made by cooking the corn mixture wrapped in its husk.
- Some people also like this dish served cold.
If you love this traditional Argentinian dish, you could also try these yummy recipes:
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie.
- Argentine Vegan Lentil Stew.
- Vegan Argentinian Potato Salad.
- Paraguayan meal but also prepared in Argentina: Vegan Sopa Paraguaya.
For more comfort food recipes, check here!
You can also find a list of comforting and delicious soups and stews that will cozy up your days here.
