Aborrajados Recipe!

Here’s a simple, step-by-step recipe for Colombian Aborrajados (cheese-stuffed sweet plantains), a popular snack from Valle del Cauca.

Ingredients (for 4–6 pieces)

- 2 very ripe plantains (yellow skin with black spots)
- 100 g (3–4 oz) fresh cheese (queso fresco, mozzarella, or similar melting cheese)
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp flour (wheat flour or cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier batter)
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the plantains

- Peel the ripe plantains and cut them in half (or in 3 large chunks each).
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the plantain pieces until soft and lightly golden (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Flatten and stuff

- Using a spoon or flat surface, gently press each fried plantain piece to flatten slightly (but don’t break apart).
- Place a strip or cube of cheese in the center of one piece.
- Cover with another plantain piece (like a sandwich) or fold it if possible, pressing gently to seal the cheese inside.

3. Make the batter

- In a bowl, whisk egg, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add a little water or milk (1–2 tbsp) to create a thick, smooth batter.

4. Coat and fry

- Dip each cheese-stuffed plantain into the batter, coating all sides.
- Fry in medium-hot oil until golden brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Serve hot so the cheese stays melted!