Patacones I

Patacones I Recipe from Panama - Plantains, Salt, Oil

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Patacones, also known as tostones, are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela. These delicious fried plantains are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect side dish or snack.

History

Patacones have been a staple in Latin American cuisine for centuries. Plantains were brought to the region by Spanish colonizers and quickly became a popular ingredient in many dishes. The process of frying and smashing plantains to make patacones is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where plantains are abundant.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Peel the plantains and cut them into slices that are 0.5 inches thick.
Fry the slices in hot oil until they turn golden.
Place the fried slices on a cutting board and use a glass bottle or rolling pin to smash them.
Sprinkle salt over the smashed plantains and return them to the pan for another round of frying.
Continue frying until the plantains become crispy.
Drain the fried plantains on paper towels and serve them immediately. Optionally, you can serve them with ketchup!

Variations

Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Top with shredded cheese and melt under the broiler for a cheesy twist.
Serve with a side of black beans and rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use green plantains for this recipe, as they are starchy and firm, perfect for frying.

- Be careful when frying the plantains, as they can splatter hot oil. Use a splatter guard if necessary.

- Don't skip the step of smashing the plantains before frying them again. This helps to create a crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Patacones are best served hot and crispy, as a side dish to a main meal or as a snack on their own. They can be served with ketchup, guacamole, or aji sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Frying, smashing, and frying again are the key techniques for making perfect patacones.

Ingredient Substitutions

If plantains are not available, you can use green bananas as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can fry the plantains ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply smash and fry again until crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve patacones on a platter with a sprinkle of salt and a side of dipping sauce for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Patacones pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Patacones are best served fresh and crispy, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a hot oven for a few minutes until crispy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of patacones contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of patacones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of patacones contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of patacones contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Patacones are a good source of potassium and Vitamin A.

Alergens

Patacones are gluten-free and nut-free, but they are fried in oil, so they may not be suitable for those with allergies to oil.

Summary

Patacones are a delicious and relatively healthy snack or side dish, rich in carbohydrates and healthy fats. They are a good source of potassium and Vitamin A.

Summary

Patacones are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create crispy and flavorful patacones that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Patacones. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. On that particular day, she was preparing a traditional dish from her home country of Colombia - Patacones.

As Maria expertly sliced the plantains and fried them to golden perfection, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen. I watched in awe as she smashed the plantains flat and fried them once more until they were crispy and delicious. Maria explained to me that Patacones were a popular dish in Colombia, often served as a side dish or snack.

I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the dish and the incredible flavors that it produced. Maria generously shared her recipe with me, and I knew that I had to learn how to make Patacones for myself. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time bringing back memories of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen.

To make Patacones, you will need ripe plantains, oil for frying, salt, and any additional toppings of your choice. Begin by peeling the plantains and cutting them into thick slices. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown on both sides.

Once the plantains are fried, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Using a flat surface, such as a cutting board or the back of a plate, carefully smash each plantain slice into a flat disk. Be sure not to smash them too thin, as you want them to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

After smashing the plantains, return them to the hot oil and fry them once more until they are crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle the Patacones with salt and any additional toppings of your choice, such as cheese, guacamole, or salsa.

The result is a delicious and savory snack that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Patacones are perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a tasty treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. I have made Patacones for countless gatherings and have always received rave reviews from everyone who tries them.

As I continue to make Patacones, I am reminded of the special bond that food creates between people. The act of sharing a meal or recipe with someone is a way to connect on a deeper level and create lasting memories. I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to the wonderful world of Patacones and for inspiring me to explore new flavors and cuisines.

In conclusion, Patacones hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. I will always cherish the memory of learning how to make Patacones in Maria's kitchen and the joy that this dish has brought to my family and friends. I hope that you will give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Patacones for yourself. Bon appétit!