Bollitos de Plátano Verde
Small, savory dumplings made from grated green plantains, often seasoned and sometimes filled with a simple meat mixture. They are traditionally added to hearty soups and stews like Sancocho.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Green plantains(peeled)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Optional: Sazon seasoning with achiote(for color and flavor)
- 1 tbsp Optional: Finely chopped onion or garlic
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the green plantains and grate them using the fine side of a box grater or a food processor.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the grated plantain with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional sazon seasoning and chopped onion/garlic. Mix well until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tiny bit more oil or a tablespoon of water.
- 3
Lightly grease your hands with oil. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls or small logs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- 4
If adding a filling, flatten a portion of the dough, place a small amount of seasoned ground meat or cheese in the center, and carefully enclose it with the dough, forming a ball.
- 5
These bollitos are typically added directly to a simmering soup or stew (like Sancocho) during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. They will float to the top when cooked through.
- 6
Alternatively, they can be boiled in lightly salted water for about 8-10 minutes until they float and are cooked through. Drain before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the plantains are green; ripe plantains will result in a sweet dough, not suitable for bollitos.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough, as it can make the bollitos tough.
- ✓If adding to soup, make sure the soup is simmering gently to prevent the bollitos from breaking apart.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground annatto (achiote) to the dough for a vibrant yellow color.
- Incorporate finely chopped cilantro or culantro for added flavor.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like mojo or a garlic aioli.