Guanimes con Berenjena Guisada (Guanimes with Stewed Eggplant)

Guanimes are made with masa harina (corn flour), which you can find in most grocery stores. They are traditionally served alongside stewed salted codfish (bacalao); this vegetarian version features stewed eggplant and ajíes dulces, small peppers that resemble habaneros but are sweet, not hot. Read more about this recipe.

Guanimes con Berenjena Guisada (Guanimes with Stewed Eggplant)
Photo: Jenny Huang
Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
6

Ingredients

Guanimes

  • 2 cups masa harina

  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 cup canned coconut milk

  • 2 tablespoons amaranth seeds (see Tips)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 12 banana leaves, thawed if frozen (see Tips)

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Berenjena Guisada

  • ¼ extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 medium Italian eggplants (about 3 1/2 pounds total), cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 8 ajíes dulces or 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

  • 2 cups diced tomatoes

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. To prepare guanimes: Put a large pot of water on to boil.

  2. Mix masa harina, broth, coconut milk, amaranth, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Cut each banana leaf into a 6-inch square. Brush a leaf square with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Shape 1/4 cup of the dough into a 4-by-1-inch log and place on the leaf, leaving a 1-inch border on the bottom and sides, and a 4-inch border above it. Fold in the sides of the leaf. Fold the bottom of the leaf over the dough and roll up the guanime. Tie a piece of kitchen string around the bundle to secure it. (Alternatively, roll up the dough in the banana leaf square. Twist the ends to close and secure the ends with kitchen string.) Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling to make 12 guanimes.

  3. Drop the guanimes into the boiling water and cook until the leaves start to pull away from the dough, about 45 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, to prepare berenjena guisada: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, onion, ajíes dulces (or bell pepper), tomatoes, garlic and oregano; cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add broth, paprika, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until the eggplant is tender, 10 to 15 minutes more. Stir in cilantro.

  5. Drain the guanimes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve with the stewed eggplant.

To make ahead

Assemble guanimes (Step 2) and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Equipment

Kitchen string

Tips

Amaranth (celosia) is a leafy plant that is cultivated for both its leaves and seeds. You can use the leaves as you would spinach, while the protein-packed seeds are often sold dried and can be cooked and prepared as a grain.

You can substitute cornhusks for banana leaves. Before using them, soak in hot water, weighted with a heavy plate or pan to keep them submerged, for 30 minutes. Drain.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

463 Calories
24g Fat
60g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 463
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 60g 22%
Dietary Fiber 12g 43%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 9g 18%
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Vitamin A 2409IU 48%
Sodium 353mg 15%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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