Colombia Aborrajado is a beloved Colombian dessert, particularly famous in the coastal regions. This indulgent treat features ripe plantains stuffed with gooey cheese, all encased in a crispy, golden batter. Often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, it's commonly found at street food vendors and cherished by both locals and visitors.
Aborrajado's roots lie in Colombia's coastal regions, where the abundant plantains and a strong tradition of street food come together in this delightful dish. The combination of sweet plantains and savory cheese reflects the local palate's appreciation for diverse flavor profiles. Traditionally, it is served with a sweet sugar syrup, enhancing the contrast between the crispy exterior and the melted cheese within.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plantains
- 6-8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sugar syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Plantains:
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 2-inch slices.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
3. Assemble Aborrajado:
- Flatten each plantain slice slightly with a spoon.
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each slice.
- Cover the cheese with another slice of plantain and press the edges together to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining plantain slices and cheese cubes.
4. Fry:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Dip each plantain and cheese sandwich into the batter, ensuring an even coat.
- Carefully place the sandwich into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm with optional sugar syrup on the side.
Notes:
- Cheese types can vary; options include queso blanco, gouda, or cheddar.
- Ensure plantains are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during frying.
- Handle carefully as the cheese can be very hot.
Nutrition Value:
1. 2 ripe plantains
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories (per medium plantain)
- Carbohydrates: About 58 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A and vitamin C
- Minerals: Rich in potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Plantains are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They provide energy, support digestion, and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
2. 6-8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Calories: Approximately 180-240 calories (depending on fat content)
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 14-20 grams
- Fat: 14-20 grams
- Sodium: 400-600 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and vitamin B12
- Minerals: High in calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health. It also provides vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Calories: Approximately 228 calories
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 0.6 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Low in vitamins
- Minerals: Provides iron
- Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour is a source of carbohydrates that provide energy. It contains some protein and iron, although it's relatively low in vitamins and minerals.
4. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Calories: Approximately 1 calorie
- Carbohydrates: 0.3 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 259 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Not a significant source
- Minerals: Contains sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Baking powder helps the batter rise, creating a light and airy texture. It provides a small amount of sodium but does not contribute significantly to nutritional value.
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 575 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Not a significant source
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation. It contributes to sodium intake, which is necessary for fluid balance but excessive amounts can contribute to health issues like hypertension.
6. 1 egg
- Calories: Approximately 70 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Sodium: 70 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 186 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides iron, calcium, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a high-quality protein source and provide essential nutrients including vitamins A, D, and several B vitamins. They also offer important minerals such as iron and calcium.
7. 1/2 cup milk
- Calories: Approximately 60 calories
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Sodium: 50 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin D and B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health. It also provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
8. Vegetable oil for frying
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Not a significant source
- Minerals: Not a significant source
- Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides fat for cooking and frying. It is a source of essential fatty acids but should be used in moderation due to its high-calorie content.
9. Sugar syrup (optional)
- Calories: Approximately 50 calories per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Not a significant source
- Minerals: Not a significant source
- Nutritional Benefit: Sugar syrup adds sweetness to dishes. It provides quick energy but lacks essential nutrients. It should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.
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