Indulge in the delightful world of El Salvador's culinary heritage with Nuegados, a traditional treat that encapsulates the essence of the country's rich flavors and cultural heritage. These mouthwatering morsels, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings, are made from a simple yet irresistible combination of yuca or corn masa, sweetened with panela or sugar, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we unravel the secrets behind the making of Nuegados, learn about their historical significance, and savor the joyous moments they bring to every bite. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or an adventurous culinary explorer, El Salvador's Nuegados promise a tantalizing experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of yuca (cassava) or corn masa
• 1 cup of panela (or substitute with brown sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Syrup or honey, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1- If using yuca, peel and grate it finely. If using corn masa, ensure it's finely ground.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated yuca or corn masa with the panela (or brown sugar) and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You can wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.

4- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.

5- Carefully drop the shaped dough balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan.

6- Fry the dough balls until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7- Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough balls, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature each time.

8- Once all the dough balls are fried, you can optionally drizzle them with syrup or honey for added sweetness.

9- Serve the Nuegados warm and enjoy their crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior.

10- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave if desired.

These Nuegados are sure to delight your taste buds with their irresistible combination of crispy fried dough and sweet syrup or honey. Enjoy them as a delicious snack or dessert!

Nutritional Values:

Yuca (cassava) or Corn Masa:

Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brand and preparation method. On average, 1 cup of grated yuca or corn masa may contain approximately:Calories: 160-200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35-45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4g
• Protein: 2-4g
• Fat: 0-1g

benefits

• Yuca (cassava) or corn masa provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
• They also contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.
• Additionally, yuca and corn masa are relatively low in fat and can contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Panela or Brown Sugar:

Nutritional values for 1 cup of panela or brown sugar may be approximately:Calories: 400-500 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 100-130g
• Sugars: 100-130g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Panela or brown sugar provides sweetness to the recipe without adding refined sugars.
• While they are still high in carbohydrates and calories, panela and brown sugar contain some minerals and nutrients that refined sugars lack due to their less processed nature.
• They can add flavor and sweetness to dishes without the harsh blood sugar spikes associated with highly processed sugars.

Vegetable Oil:

Vegetable oil provides fat for frying.

Nutritional values for vegetable oil (per tablespoon) may be approximately:Calories: 120 kcal

• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• No carbohydrates or protein

benefits

• Vegetable oil provides fat, which is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the production of hormones.
• While too much fat can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, when used in moderation, vegetable oil can be part of a healthy diet.
• Choosing vegetable oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or sunflower oil, can promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Syrup or Honey (optional):

Nutritional values can vary depending on the type and brand.

• On average, 1 tablespoon of syrup or honey may contain approximately:Calories: 50-70 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17-20g
• Sugars: 17-20g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Syrup or honey adds sweetness and flavor to the Nuegados recipe.
• While they are high in sugars and calories, they also contain small amounts of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
• However, it's important to use them sparingly as excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients, and serving sizes.