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Pan & Wok

Humita en chala – corn packets in leaves

8 packets / 4 servings · Pan & Wok

Recipe photo: Humita en chala – corn packets in leaves (Pan & Wok)
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Juicy, steamed corn filling in corn leaves - pumpkin-free home version.

Timing

  • Preparation: 45 min.
  • Cooking/baking: approx. 50 minutes including pre-cooking
  • Rest/Cool: 10 min. rest time

Estimated nutrition

per serving · Calculated for 4 servings.

Energy
≈ 245 kcal
Protein
≈ 9.5 g
Carbohydrates
≈ 27.9 g
Fat
≈ 8.6 g

The nutrition values are estimates based on the ingredients and quantities used. Actual values may vary depending on the product, portion size and preparation.

Calculation basis

Item weights and household measures are estimated. Unless specified: milk with 1.5% fat, cream with 30% fat and Gouda cheese. Optional ingredients, small amounts of seasoning and separately listed side dishes are excluded. For imprecise entries, the amounts below and comparable reference products are assumed. For alternatives, the first listed ingredient is used. Cooking losses have not been measured.

Calculated estimate using the reference foods below. Substitute products, item weights and consumed fractions are assumptions. Ordinary cooking oil and marinades are counted in full; frying oil, coatings, bones and whole roasts use the stated factors. The higher serving count is used for ranges. Actual product values and cooking losses have not been measured.

Paprikapulver (Matvaretabellen)

Ingredient amounts for the whole recipe; linked reference names retain the source language

Not included in the base calculation

  • 120 g crumbly cheese, optional · Optional ingredient or inedible equipment
  • 1/2 tsp cumin · Salt or small seasoning amount; no salt/micronutrient calculation
  • Salt · Salt or small seasoning amount; no salt/micronutrient calculation
  • Kitchen twine · Optional ingredient or inedible equipment

Matvaretabellen: Mattilsynet · Santa Maria

Food data: Max Rubner-Institut, BLS 4.0 (2025), CC BY 4.0. Calculated and rounded for this recipe. BLS 4.0 · CC BY 4.0

Ingredients

  • 8 large corn cobs with intact outer leaves (approx. 1 kg corn kernels)
  • 1 onion (120 g)
  • 1 red pepper (120 g)
  • 25g butter
  • 60 ml milk
  • 120 g crumbly cheese, optional
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt
  • Kitchen twine

Instructions

  1. Carefully remove outer undamaged corn leaves, clean thoroughly and soften in hot water for 3-4 minutes; Have at least 16 sheets ready for filling.
  2. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and roughly puree two thirds, leaving one third whole.
  3. Finely dice the onion and peppers, sauté in butter for 5 minutes; Add the corn, milk, paprika and cumin and cook for 8 minutes, stirring, until a thick filling forms.
  4. Taste the filling and optionally mix in the cheese. Place two sheets crosswise, place the filling in the middle, fold them into a closed pocket and secure with kitchen twine.
  5. Cook the packets in a steamer basket over simmering water for 30-35 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then open the leaf and eat only the filling.

Tips

  • The corn leaves are natural packaging and are not eaten.
  • Food safety: Do not leave cooled corn mixture standing at room temperature for long. This pumpkin-free, steamed home version deviates from regional cooked versions; Depending on the package size, the steaming time may vary. [AR02]
  • Technology: Germany: Order whole corn cobs with leaves seasonally from the greengrocer; Without real corn leaves, expressly name it differently as “Humita in a mold”.