Patacones are a popular Colombian snack or side dish made from green plantains that are fried until crispy. They are often topped with hogao (a traditional Colombian sauce made of tomatoes and onions), shredded cheese, and avocado slices. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 4 green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Shredded cheese, for topping
- Avocado slices, for serving
For the Hogao:
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Hogao:
- In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Plantains:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the plantain slices in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Using the bottom of a flat glass or a tostonera (plantain press), flatten each fried plantain slice to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again until they are crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the patacones from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Serve:
- Arrange the crispy patacones on a serving platter.
- Top each patacon with a spoonful of hogao, shredded cheese, and avocado slices.
- Serve immediately while the patacones are still crispy.
Enjoy your Patacones, a delicious and crispy Colombian treat that’s perfect as a snack or side dish!