How Do You Make Salbutes From Scratch? - Central America Uncovered

cooked chicken

🥗Healthier: grilled chicken

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Canned chicken is more affordable and saves time.

corn tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole grain tortillas

💰Cheaper: flour tortillas

Flour tortillas are often less expensive.

hot sauce

🥗Healthier: salsa

💰Cheaper: homemade hot sauce

Homemade options can be cheaper and healthier.

avocado

🥗Healthier: mashed peas

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Mashed peas provide a similar texture at a lower cost.

Gather your ingredients: 2 cups masa arena, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon achiote paste, 1.25 cups water, and vegetable oil for frying.

In a large bowl, mix the masa arena, baking powder, and salt.

Dissolve the achiote paste in 0.25 cups of water and add it to the bowl.

Gradually pour in the remaining water while mixing until you form a dough.

Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it feels pliable. If it seems too dry, add a little more water until it reaches the right consistency.

Divide the dough into small balls, each about 1 to 2 tablespoons in size.

Flatten each ball into a thick disc using a tortilla press or by rolling them out between two pieces of parchment paper with a rolling pin.

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry each salbute for approximately 40 to 60 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown but not too crispy.

While the salbutes are frying, prepare your toppings such as shredded chicken, cabbage, slaw, sliced radishes, jalapenos, tomatoes, or onions.

Once the salbutes are fried and have cooled slightly, top each salbute with your favorite ingredients.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: