Nicuatole – corn and yellow pepper custard with crème fraîche and caviar

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Nicuatole - a traditional Mexican dessert from Oaxaca - is given a classic Santiago Lastra twist in this recipe, bridging the gap between sweet and savoury. The sweet custard-like base is topped with crème fraiche and caviar for an indulgent, luxurious finish, and while the combination sounds unusual, it comes together beautifully.

First published in 2021

Ingredients

Metric

Imperial

Nicuatole

  • 25g of masa harina
  • 75g of water
  • 250g of yellow peppers, roasted and seeds and stalks removed
  • 25g of brown sugar
  • 37.5g of apple cider vinegar
  • 25ml of kombucha
  • 4g of Scotch Bonnet chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch of Maldon salt

To serve

  • 8 tbsp of créme fraiche
  • 8 tbsp of caviar, ideally Exmoor caviar
  • Wild garlic flowers, (optional)

Equipment

  • Blender

Method

1

Mix the masa harina with the water to create a loose paste. Blend this paste with the rest of the ingredients for the nicuatole until smooth, then transfer to a pan

  • 25g of masa harina
  • 75g of water
  • 250g of yellow peppers, roasted and seeds and stalks removed
  • 25g of brown sugar
  • 37.5g of apple cider vinegar
  • 25ml of kombucha
  • 4g of Scotch Bonnet chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch of Maldon salt
2

Cook over a low heat for 20 minutes whilst stirring regularly. Over this time it will thicken, similar to a pastry cream

3

Divide the mixture into 8 small dishes or ramekins and place in the fridge to set for at least 20 minutes

4

Once chilled, top the nicuatoles with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and caviar. Garnish with wild garlic flowers if they are in season

  • 8 tbsp of créme fraiche
  • 8 tbsp of caviar, ideally Exmoor caviar
  • Wild garlic flowers, (optional)
First published in 2021

Blending Mexican dishes and techniques with British ingredients, Santiago Lastra is treading a never-seen-before culinary path at his beautiful terracotta-toned London restaurant KOL.

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