PLANTAIN APPETIZERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut plantain into 3 pieces with the peel left on.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add plantain pieces and boil until peel starts to bubble, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove plantains with a slotted spoon and allow to cool until easily handled. Peel and mash plantain in a bowl.
• Separate mashed plantain into 3 equal-sized balls, each the size of a golf ball. Wrap each ball with a piece of plastic wrap and press into a 6-inch round. Unwrap and place 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese in the middle of each round. Fold over and pinch the edges together.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry stuffed plantains until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and fry on the other side until lightly browned, 2 to 3 more minutes. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the plantains and cook over moderately high heat until the skins split and the plantains are very tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly. Peel the plantains. Transfer them to a bowl and mash well. Stir in the bread crumbs and salt and let cool.
• Line a platter with plastic wrap. Form the plantain dough into 12 portions and roll into balls. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and fill it with 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese. Seal the holes and reroll the dough into balls. Set the gorditas on the platter.
• In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°. Add the gorditas and fry until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Serve the gorditas with the Spicy Tomato Sauce, Pickled Red Onions and sour cream.