Cheese-filled Green Plantains

ingredients

• servings: 12
• 5 whole green plantains, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups queso fresco, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

recipe

preparation time: 15 mins cook time: 1 hr 20 mins

ready time: 1 hr 45 mins


• bring the whole plantains with enough water to cover to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the plantains are tender and the skins have cracked, about 45 minutes. drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
• heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
• peel the plantains and mash with the salt and pepper until no lumps remain. roll the mashed plantain into 3 tablespoon size balls around a cube of cheese. cook the plantain balls in the hot oil in batches until they are golden brown and float to the surface, about 5 minutes. move the plantain balls around as they cook to ensure they brown evenly. drain the cooked plantain balls on a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.