Ingredients

1 ½ cups thawed frozen corn, divided

½ cup softened butter (1 stick)

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup masa harina flour (or cornmeal)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

⅓ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Southwest seasoning

1 cup salsa verde, divided (storebought or homemade)

½ cup pico de gallo, divided (storebought or homemade)

¼ cup sour cream, divided

1 avocado, deseeded and chopped

3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw and drain the frozen corn. Pulse 1 cup of the corn in a food processor until smooth.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pulsed corn with the remaining ½ cup whole corn kernels.

Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, masa harina, salt, softened butter, and sugar to the corn mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix the butter into the ingredients until a batter forms. If the batter is too sticky, add 1 teaspoon more masa harina at a time.

Step 4: Shape about ½ cup of batter into small patties approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the corn cakes for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with Southwest seasoning until combined.

Step 7: Spoon the seasoned mayonnaise into a small plastic bag and snip a tiny corner to create a drizzle bag for topping.

Step 8: On a serving plate, spread some salsa verde as a base. Place the cooked tamale cakes on top, then garnish each with sour cream, chopped avocado, pico de gallo, a drizzle of the seasoned mayonnaise, and chopped cilantro.

Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn when in season for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.

Substitute masa harina with cornmeal for a different texture but similar taste.

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or top with hot sauce.

Bake instead of frying for a lighter version, ensuring to flip the cakes halfway through baking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn can be used and will add a lovely sweetness. Use about 1 ½ cups of kernels removed from fresh ears.

What can I substitute for masa harina?

If you don’t have masa harina, you can use fine cornmeal, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Masa harina provides a traditional tamale flavor and softness.