Aborrajado de Plátano (Fried Plantain Fritters)

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains 2 ripe plantains
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, such as mozzarella or queso blanco 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, such as mozzarella or queso blanco
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• 1/4 cup cornmeal (30g) 1/4 cup cornmeal (30g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk (120ml) 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 47g (Sugar: 20g)
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips.
2. 2.
   Cut the cheese into small sticks that will fit inside the plantain slices.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Take a plantain slice, place a cheese stick in the center, and cover it with another plantain slice to form a sandwich.
8. 8.
   Dip the plantain sandwich into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
9. 9.
   Carefully place the coated plantain sandwich into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
10. 10.
    Remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
11. 11.
    Repeat the process with the remaining plantain slices and cheese.
12. 12.
    Serve the Aborrajado de Plátano warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly soft for easier handling during slicing and frying.
• Cheese — Use a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or queso blanco, to achieve a gooey and creamy filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the fritters before serving.
• Serve the Aborrajado de Plátano with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Aborrajado de Plátano as a delightful snack or a sweet ending to a meal. They are best enjoyed warm, allowing the melted cheese to ooze out with each bite.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden fritters on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For an elegant touch, you can place a small mint leaf on top of each fritter.