Jain-friendly Bolón de Verde

Ingredients

In this Jain-friendly adaptation, the original meat component of Bolón de Verde is replaced with a combination of grated vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Additionally, the traditional use of garlic and onions is omitted to align with Jain dietary restrictions. We alse have the original recipe for Bolón de verde, so you can check it out.

• 4 green plantains, peeled and boiled 4 green plantains, peeled and boiled
• 1 cup grated carrots 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup grated zucchini 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup grated bell peppers 1 cup grated bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, mash the boiled green plantains until smooth.
2. 2.
   Add the grated carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers to the mashed plantains.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round fritter. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the fritters into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
7. 7.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Jain-friendly Bolón de Verde hot as an appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green plantains — Ensure the plantains are fully ripe, as unripe plantains will result in a starchy and less flavorful dish.
• Grated vegetables — Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated vegetables to prevent the fritters from becoming too wet.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can mix in some finely chopped nuts, such as cashews or almonds, into the fritter mixture.
• Adjust the spiciness of the fritters by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve the Jain-friendly Bolón de Verde with a tangy tamarind chutney or a refreshing mint yogurt dip.

Serving advice

Serve the Jain-friendly Bolón de Verde as an appetizer or snack. These fritters can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a chutney or dip of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Jain-friendly Bolón de Verde fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside a small bowl of chutney or dip for dipping.