Bollos de Plátano Maduro Rellenos
Sweet plantain fritters (bollos) filled with cheese, offering a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors. These are typically pan-fried or baked until golden brown and are a popular snack or dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Ripe plantains(peeled and boiled until very soft)
- 2 tbsp Butter(melted)
- 0.25 cup Sugar(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon(ground)
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg(ground)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 cup Cheese(shredded, such as Dominican white cheese or mozzarella)
- 1 beaten Egg(for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil(for frying or baking)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Mash the boiled ripe plantains in a bowl until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure the plantains are very soft for a smooth mash. - 2
Gradually add the flour to the plantain mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed, but do not make the dough too stiff.
💡 Tip: The dough should be pliable and easy to handle. - 3
On a lightly floured surface, take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc. Place a tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center.
- 4
Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and seal the edges to form a ball or oval shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
💡 Tip: Pinch the edges firmly to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. - 5
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking.
- 6
For frying: Carefully place the bollos in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
💡 Tip: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. - 7
For baking: Brush the bollos with the beaten egg wash. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 8
Remove fried or baked bollos from the heat and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
💡 Tip: These are delicious on their own or with a side of dipping sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Overripe plantains work best as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
- ✓You can add raisins or a pinch of ground cloves to the dough for extra flavor.
- ✓If baking, you can skip the egg wash and simply place them on the baking sheet.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro to the dough for a savory twist.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cream cheese or a mix of cheeses.