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Green Beans in Corn Sauce with Pumpkin Seeds

4 servings
Chulibul

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels, from 1 large ear
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 to 4 fresh sprigs epazote, or cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 fresh habanero, serrano or jalapeño chile, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes, chopped, or 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

To Prepare

  • Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast until they are lightly colored and starting to jump or pop, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
  • Transfer the pumpkin seeds to a food processor, add 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt, and pulse until finely ground. Set aside.
  • Combine the fresh corn, water, and epazote or cilantro in a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the green beans, sprinkle with 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn brighter green. Pour the pureed corn over the green beans, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often so that the sauce doesn’t stick to the pan, until the beans are tender and the puree has reduced to a creamy, thick sauce.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chile and cook until softened and starting to color, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until translucent, less than a minute. Add the tomatoes and the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and pasty, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Scrape the beans with the corn sauce onto a platter. Top with the tomato salsa, garnish with the ground pumpkin seeds, and serve.