Bollos de Plátano Maduro Rellenos de Queso
Sweet, ripe plantains are mashed and formed into balls, filled with savory cheese, then fried or baked until golden brown. These delightful bites offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a popular snack or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Ripe plantains(very ripe, with black spots)
- 150 g Mozzarella cheese(cubed or in small sticks)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg(beaten)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the ripe plantains and boil them in salted water until very tender. Drain well and mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
💡 Tip: Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth dough. - 2
Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the mashed plantains. Mix until a soft dough forms.
💡 Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too stiff. - 3
Take a portion of the plantain dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- 4
Carefully form the dough around the cheese to create a ball, ensuring there are no gaps where the cheese can leak out.
💡 Tip: Lightly oiling your hands can prevent sticking. - 5
Dip each plantain ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated.
- 6
Roll the egg-coated balls in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
💡 Tip: Double-coating (egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs) can create an extra crispy exterior. - 7
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- 8
Carefully fry the plantain balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bollos. - 9
Remove the fried bollos with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and gooey.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the plantains are very ripe for maximum sweetness and ease of mashing.
- ✓For a baked version, place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- ✓Other cheeses like cheddar or a blend can be used for the filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the plantain dough for extra warmth.
- For a savory filling, mix cooked ground meat with the cheese.