Papalotes de Verduras
Papalotes de Verduras are delightful Mexican vegetable parcels, wrapped in vibrant corn masa and grilled to perfection. These vegan appetizers are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect start to any meal.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Mexican
210 kcal
Ingredients
- Corn masa harina - 200 grams
- Warm water - 150 ml
- Zucchini - 100 grams, diced
- Red bell pepper - 50 grams, diced
- Onion - 50 grams, finely chopped
- Mushrooms - 100 grams, diced
- Corn kernels - 50 grams (fresh or frozen)
- Cilantro - 10 grams, chopped
- Lime juice - 15 ml
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Avocado leaves or banana leaves - for wrapping (optional)
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine corn masa harina and warm water, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add zucchini, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and corn to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice, mixing well. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Divide the masa dough into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle about 1/4 inch thick on a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture in the center of each masa circle. Fold the edges over the filling to create a parcel (papalote).
- If using leaves, wrap each parcel in an avocado or banana leaf, securing with kitchen twine or placing seam side down.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the papalotes for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the masa is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve warm, optionally with a side of salsa or guacamole.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Water: 0.2 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
Tags
MexicanVeganAppetizer