How to Make Creamy Green Salsa Recipe Without Avocado - Salsa Macha Verde en Aceite
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Conchas are a beloved Mexican pastry, originating from the colonial period when Spanish baking techniques merged with local ingredients. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, they symbolize warmth and community, often shared among family and friends. Today, conchas are popular beyond Mexico, found in bakeries across the U.S. and Latin America, each region adding its unique twist to the classic recipe.
Ingredients
- ●all-purpose flour
- ●sugar
- ●milk
- ●butter
- ●eggs
- ●yeast
- ●vanilla extract
- ●cocoa powder
- ●salt
- ●cinnamon
- ●food coloring
- ●water
- ●lime zest
Instructions
- 1Activate yeast in warm milk until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- 2Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- 3Add activated yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- 4Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- 5Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- 6Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into balls.
- 7Prepare the topping by mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- 8Color half of the topping with food coloring for variety.
- 9Flatten each dough ball and place a piece of topping on top, pressing gently.
- 10Let the shaped conchas rise again for about 30 minutes.
- 11Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 12Bake conchas until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- 13Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
butter
Healthier: coconut oil
Cheaper: margarine
Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar fat content.
milk
Healthier: almond milk
Cheaper: water
Almond milk reduces calories while adding a nutty flavor.
sugar
Healthier: honey
Cheaper: brown sugar
Honey offers a natural sweetness with additional flavor.
eggs
Healthier: flaxseed meal
Cheaper: egg substitute
Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds ingredients.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Tamales have deep roots in Mexican culture, traditionally made for celebrations and gatherings. They are often filled with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables, wrapped in masa and steamed in corn husks. Red beef tamales, specifically, are known for their rich flavor from the red chili sauce, making them a beloved dish during holidays and family feasts. Today, tamales are enjoyed worldwide, with countless regional variations and fillings.
Ingredients
- ●corn masa
- ●beef
- ●red chili sauce
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●cumin
- ●salt
- ●pepper
- ●water
- ●corn husks
- ●baking powder
- ●lard
- ●cheese
- ●cilantro
Instructions
- 1Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.
- 2In a large pot, cook beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3Add red chili sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 4In a mixing bowl, combine corn masa, baking powder, and salt.
- 5In another bowl, beat lard until fluffy, then gradually add masa mixture and water, mixing until smooth.
- 6Spread a layer of masa on each corn husk, leaving space at the edges.
- 7Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of the masa.
- 8Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and then fold the bottom up to secure the tamale.
- 9Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket, filling the bottom with water.
- 10Cover and steam for 1-1.5 hours, checking water level occasionally.
- 11Tamales are done when masa separates easily from the husk.
- 12Let tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
lard
Healthier: vegetable shortening
Cheaper: butter
Vegetable shortening reduces saturated fat while maintaining texture.
beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: pork
Ground turkey is lower in fat, while pork can be a cost-effective alternative.
cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: no cheese
Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy.
red chili sauce
Healthier: homemade sauce
Cheaper: canned tomatoes + spices
Homemade sauce can be healthier and cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish with roots dating back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures. They are often made for celebrations and family gatherings, symbolizing unity and community. Green Chile Tamales specifically highlight the vibrant flavors of green chiles, often enjoyed during holidays like Christmas and Día de los Muertos. Today, they are cherished not only in Mexico but also in various regions of the United States, where they have been embraced as a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients
- ●masa harina
- ●chicken broth
- ●vegetable oil
- ●baking powder
- ●salt
- ●green chiles
- ●cheese
- ●corn husks
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●cumin
- ●black pepper
- ●lime juice
- ●cilantro
- ●sour cream
Instructions
- 1Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.
- 2In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- 3In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and vegetable oil.
- 4Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- 5Fold in chopped green chiles, cheese, and spices until evenly distributed.
- 6Take a soaked corn husk and spread a portion of masa dough on it, leaving space at the edges.
- 7Add a spoonful of filling to the center of the masa.
- 8Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom to secure.
- 9Repeat with remaining husks and filling until all tamales are assembled.
- 10Place tamales upright in a steamer basket, filling the bottom with water.
- 11Cover with a damp cloth and steam for 1-1.5 hours until masa is firm and cooked through.
- 12Let tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- 13Serve warm with lime wedges and sour cream.
Ingredient Alternatives
cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: cream cheese
Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: plain yogurt
Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.
vegetable oil
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Olive oil is healthier, while canola is often cheaper.
green chiles
Healthier: jalapeños
Cheaper: canned green chiles
Canned green chiles are often less expensive and still flavorful.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As