Appetizers & nibbles

Bolas de plátano (plantain balls)

Small balls of ripe plantain stuffed with melting cheese, then fried until golden and crisp on the outside. A typical street food and party snack from Puerto Rico, to be eaten very hot.

35 min
4 servings
Medium
Budget-friendly
🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

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Instructions

Peel the plantains and slice them into rounds. Steam them or boil them in water for 15 minutes, until tender.
Drain them and mash them with a fork or potato masher while still hot. Add the melted butter, salt and pepper, then mix.
Gradually incorporate the flour until you get a soft dough that no longer sticks to your fingers.
Cut the queso into small cubes. Take a portion of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a piece of cheese in the center and close it to form a smooth ball.
Heat the oil to 170 °C in a deep pan. Drop the balls in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them, until a nice golden color.
Drain them on paper towels and serve immediately, while the cheese is still runny.