Corn Pepian Food

NO-CREAM CREAMED CORN WITH APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the corn kernels off the cobs. Put one-third of the kernels in a blender (reserve the other two-thirds in a bowl) and puree. Strain out the corn juice and reserve (discard the solid puree).
• In a medium saute pan, render the bacon over low heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain off most of the fat from the meat, leaving a small amount in the pan. Add the onions and cook over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the reserved corn kernels and continue to cook until the corn is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a small saucepan, cook the corn juice over medium heat, whisking constantly, until a thick pudding forms, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the corn and bacon mixture with the corn juice pudding. Add the chives and serve warm.

RECADO DE PEPIAN INDIO (GUATEMALAN PEPIAN INDIO SAUCE)

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; place tomatoes, tomatillos, onion, and garlic into the hot skillet and stir until vegetables are lightly charred, about 20 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet; stir sesame and pumpkin seeds into the hot skillet, stirring until seeds are lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Toast baguette slice in a toaster. Place baguette slice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, sesame seeds, cilantro, salt, and black peppercorns into a blender; pulse several times to chop, then blend the mixture until smooth. Pour 3 cups chicken broth into blender and puree again.
• Strain blended sauce through a sieve and pour into a large saucepan; stir olive oil into sauce. Place over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir chayote, potatoes, and corn into sauce; stir in 3 cups chicken broth. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until chayote and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.