Photo from food52.com

Bolón de Verde is a traditional Ecuadorian dish made from green plantains, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a hearty snack. This dish consists of mashed plantains mixed with cheese, chicharrón (fried pork), or both, shaped into balls and fried until golden. Bolón de Verde is popular in the coastal regions of Ecuador, where it's loved for its satisfying taste and simplicity. This recipe will guide you through making authentic Bolón de Verde, bringing the flavors of Ecuador to your table.

Ingredients

4 green plantains (about 2 lb or 0.9 kg), peeled and cut into chunks

1/2 lb (0.23 kg) queso fresco or mozzarella, crumbled

1/2 lb (0.23 kg) chicharrón (fried pork) or bacon, chopped

2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Optional: cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Plantains: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the peeled and chunked plantains. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are tender but not too soft. Drain the plantains and let them cool slightly.

Mash the Plantains: In a large bowl, mash the cooked plantains while they are still warm. The texture should be somewhat coarse but sticky enough to hold together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix in the Fillings: Add the crumbled cheese and chopped chicharrón (or bacon) to the mashed plantains. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Form the Balls: With your hands, take a handful of the plantain mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create several Bolones.

Fry the Bolones: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Add the Bolones to the skillet and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Serving

Bolón de Verde is typically served hot, often accompanied by a cup of coffee and aji (Ecuadorian hot sauce) for dipping. It can be enjoyed as a filling breakfast, a snack, or even as a side dish to complement a larger meal. Garnish with chopped cilantro for an extra touch of freshness.

Bolón de Verde is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of green plantains in Ecuadorian cuisine. Whether stuffed with cheese, chicharrón, or both, these fried plantain balls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Easy to make and loved by many, Bolón de Verde is a perfect way to enjoy a taste of Ecuador at home.