Patacones (Fried Green Plantains). Esta receta también está disponible en Español.
Patacones (Fried Green Plantains) are usually eaten as a side-dish or as an appetizer. In some other countries they are also known as tostones. Patacones are fried twice. The first time in their original shape and the second time after being pressed into a round disc.
As a side dish they are usually eaten as they are. As an appetizer or snack they generally come with a salsa, for instance with hogao. This is a basic recipe of fried green plantains, patacones, including instructions how to make them. Check out my recipe of Vegetarian Loaded Patacones, for a way to make this delicious fried snack a complete meal.
These patacones, fried green plantains, are easy to make, because they are fast and contain little ingredients. You will only need green plantain, oil, salt and something to press the patacon. These days I use a patacon press, but before I used to press them with a cutting board and that works perfectly as well.
Patacones: step-by-step instruction
1.The first step is to get a green plantain. Cut the plantain in about 8 pieces of 2 cm, depending on the size of your plantain. After you cut them, remove the skin by cutting the skin lengthwise.
2. Fry the pieces of plantain for 2-3 minutes per side. They will only color slightly golden.
3. Drain excess oil by putting them on a paper towel.
4. Time to press them into discs. When using a cutting board, put one piece of the plantain on non-stick paper. Cover the piece with some more non-stick paper. Get something to press the plantain down, for instance a heavier cutting board, and place it softly on the patacon. Now press down in one go. Repeat with the other pieces. When using a patacon press, also use non-stick paper.
5. Check the temperature of the oil. On a medium to high heat fry the patacones 2 minutes, or until golden. Depending on the size of your pan you might have to do this in batches. Drain excess oil by putting them on paper towels, and salt them.
6. Serve as a side dish as they are, with hogao, or as loaded patacones
For more Colombian side dishes, click here.
Find all recipes for Colombian vegetarian food here!
Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)
Equipment
- Patacon press or heavy cutting board, non stick paper
Ingredients
- 1 green, unripe, plantain
- vegetable oil for frying
- salt
Instructions
- Cut plantain in 8 pieces, about 2 cm per piece. Remove skin
- Warm up the oil for frying in a fry pan/skillet. A shallow layer of oil will be enough
- Fry the pieces of plantain for 2-3 minutes per side
- Take them out and put them on paper towels to drain any excess oil
- Press them one by one into discs, either with a patacon press or with a cutting board. Use non-stick paper. See more elaborate instructions at the beginning of the post
- Check temperature of oil and fry patacones until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Depending on the size of your pan you will need to do this in batches
- Take the patacones out and put them on paper towels. Sprinkle salt on them
- Serve while warm with hogao (recipe link in blogpost), or just as they are
A perfect snack! I was a bit worried about pressing after the first fry, but it was easy, and the result looked great.
Glad you liked it and it worked out! It is always a good time for patacones..