Pastelitos de Verde con Quesillo
Savory fritters made from mashed green plantains (verde) filled with a creamy, melted Honduran cheese (quesillo). These are a popular street food and appetizer, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Green plantains
- 200 g Quesillo or mild melting cheese(shredded)
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour(plus more as needed for dough)
- 8 tbsp Butter(softened)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the green plantains in their skins in a large pot of water for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
- 2
Drain the plantains and let them cool slightly until they are manageable to handle. Peel the plantains.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn yourself when handling hot plantains. - 3
In a food processor, combine the peeled plantains, softened butter, 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a soft, workable dough forms. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
💡 Tip: The dough should not be sticky or greasy. - 4
Divide the dough into golf-sized balls. Flatten each ball into a thin disc.
- 5
Place a portion of shredded quesillo (or your chosen cheese) in the center of each disc. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal.
- 6
Lightly coat each pastelito in flour and shake off any excess.
💡 Tip: This helps create a crispier exterior. - 7
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pastelitos in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. - 8
Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt while hot.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a traditional flavor, use Quesillo cheese, a soft, mild, and melty cheese from Honduras. If unavailable, a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar can be substituted.
- ✓Ensure the plantains are ripe enough to be easily mashed but not overly soft, which can make the dough too wet.
- ✓Adjust the amount of flour as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small amount of cooked, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken to the cheese filling for a more substantial pastelito.
- Serve with a side of curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) or a fresh tomato salsa (chimol).