Patacones II
Patacones II Recipe - Vegetarian Colombian Food
Introduction
Patacones, also known as tostones, are a popular Latin American dish made from fried green plantains. These crispy and savory treats are perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
History
Patacones have their origins in the Caribbean and are a staple in many Latin American countries. The dish is believed to have been brought to the region by African slaves and has since become a beloved part of the cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 large green plantains
- vegetable oil
- salt
How to prepare
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 3-4 pieces.
- Fry the plantains in hot vegetable oil.
- Remove the plantains from the oil and flatten them by pounding.
- Return the flattened plantains to the oil and refry for a few minutes.
- Take them out of the oil and place them on absorbent paper.
- Sprinkle salt to taste.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a decadent twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use green plantains for this recipe, as ripe plantains will not hold their shape when fried.
- Be careful when frying the plantains, as they can splatter hot oil.
- Use a heavy object, such as a plate or a mallet, to flatten the plantains evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Patacones can be served with a side of guacamole, salsa, or chimichurri sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Make sure to fry the plantains until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a heavy object to flatten the plantains evenly for a uniform texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If plantains are not available, you can use green bananas as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
Patacones are best served fresh, but you can fry the plantains ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the patacones on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Patacones pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover patacones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven until crispy and heated through.
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 C.
Alergens
Patacones are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Summary
Patacones are a delicious and nutritious snack that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients.
Summary
Patacones are a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these crispy treats as a snack or side dish with your favorite toppings.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor prune her banana trees. As a token of appreciation, she handed me a large bunch of green bananas and said, "Make some patacones with these, dear."
I had heard of patacones before, but I had never actually made them myself. I knew they were a popular snack in many Latin American countries, but I had never tried making them at home. As I examined the recipe my neighbor had given me, I realized that it was quite simple - just green bananas, oil, and salt. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
First, I peeled the green bananas and cut them into thick slices. I heated some oil in a skillet until it shimmered, then added the banana slices in batches. As they sizzled and crisped up, a delicious aroma filled the kitchen. I sprinkled them with salt and flipped them over, making sure they were golden brown on both sides.
As I plated the patacones and served them to my neighbor, she smiled and said, "You've got the touch, dear. These are just like the ones I used to make back in Colombia." Her words filled me with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a beloved recipe from her homeland.
From that day on, patacones became a regular feature on my table. I experimented with different seasonings and toppings, adding a sprinkle of garlic powder here, a dollop of guacamole there. Each time I made them, I thought of my neighbor and the joy on her face when she tasted my version of her favorite snack.
Years passed, and I continued to make patacones for my family and friends. They became a staple at potlucks and parties, always disappearing within minutes of being served. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of making patacones from scratch.
One day, my granddaughter came to visit me and asked if she could help me in the kitchen. I smiled and handed her a green banana, saying, "Let me show you how to make patacones, dear." Together, we peeled and sliced the bananas, fried them until they were crispy, and sprinkled them with salt.
As we sat down to enjoy our patacones, my granddaughter looked at me with wide eyes and said, "Grandma, these are amazing! How did you learn to make them?" I chuckled and told her the story of my neighbor and the recipe that had sparked my love for cooking.
As my granddaughter grew older, she became the one teaching me new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. But no matter how many fancy dishes we tried, patacones remained a favorite for both of us. They reminded us of a simpler time, when a shared love for food brought us closer together.
And so, the recipe for patacones II became a cherished tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation. Each time we made them, we remembered the story of how it all began - with a bunch of green bananas and a neighbor's kind gesture.
Categories
| Colombian Recipes | Colombian Vegetarian | Plantain Recipes |