Monégasque Aborrajado

Ingredients

In this Monégasque adaptation of Aborrajado, the traditional Colombian dish is elevated with the addition of prosciutto, a popular ingredient in Monégasque cuisine. The dish also incorporates a lighter batter, allowing the flavors of the plantains, cheese, and prosciutto to shine through. The Monégasque Aborrajado is served as an appetizer or a light lunch, reflecting the culinary preferences of Monaco. We alse have the original recipe for Aborrajado, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains 2 ripe plantains
• 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5oz) Gruyère cheese, cut into thin strips 100g (3.5oz) Gruyère cheese, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 16g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
2. 2.
   Make a small incision in each plantain slice and stuff it with a strip of prosciutto and a strip of Gruyère cheese.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture, whisking until smooth.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Dip each stuffed plantain slice into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
8. 8.
   Carefully place the coated plantains into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
9. 9.
   Remove the fried plantains from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. 10.
    Serve the Monégasque Aborrajado 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.
• Gruyère cheese — Opt for a high-quality Gruyère cheese for its distinct flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the Monégasque Aborrajado with a side of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Monégasque Aborrajado as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch accompanied by a fresh salad. It pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Monégasque Aborrajado on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing.