Colombian cuisine is rich in taste and texture and filled with ingredient pairings that are not mainstream. If you’ve never tried traditional Colombian food, expect a burst of flavor, color, and diversity. And aborrajados are no exception.
Aborrajados are sweet and savory Colombian treats made by stuffing ripe plantains with cheese, which are then coated in batter and deep-fried. Traditionally served as a snack, hors d’oeuvre, or dessert, this tasty dish is similar to fritters but with the addition of cheese.Today you’ll discover what aborrajados are and a simple recipe to make them.
What Are Aborrajados?
Aborrajados are made by deep-frying plantains that have been stuffed with cheese. The name aborrajados means “battered,” and while traditionally deep-fried, this delicious dish can also be grilled or baked.
The ripe plantain fritters are among Colombia’s most popular dishes. They are easy to make, using ingredients that are easy to come by.
Because of their sweet nature, aborrajados are typically eaten as snacks, appetizers or as a side dish, not as a main meal.
In some places, or depending on the recipe, they can also offered as a traditional Colombian dessert.
History of Aborrajados
The history of aborrajados is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the coastal region of Cartagena, Colombia.
The name “aborrajado” comes from the Spanish word “barriga,” which means “belly.”
The ripe plantains used in the dish resemble the shape of a belly when they are stuffed with cheese.
Aborrajados were created by African slaves who were brought to Colombia during the colonial era.
They used the local ingredients available to them, such as ripe plantains and cheese, to create a filling and satisfying Colombian dish.
The fritter dish became popular among the local population, and over time, it became an important part of traditional Colombian cuisine.
Today, aborrajados are a beloved snack or dessert throughout Colombia, and are often served in restaurants, street food stalls and homes.
How To Make Colombian Aborrajados
Here’s a simple recipe you can use to whip up the ripe plantain fritters in under 30 minutes.
Make sure you pick the right plantains.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe yellow and black plantains
- ½ cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp of flour
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 2 tbsp of milk
- 1 tsp of baking soda (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 5 cups of vegetable oil for frying
Method
- Wash and peel the plantains. Cut the plantain crosswise into pieces that are 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) thick.
- Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or large pot to 360°F (180°C).
- Place the plantain chunks into the pan and fry the plantain chunks until golden brown, turning the plantain pieces for even cooking.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from heat and drain on a paper towel or serviette. Allow the plantains to cool.
- Take two sheets of waxed paper or serviettes and place a piece of plantain in between. Using the bottom of a flat glass, apply pressure on the plantain to flatten it, forming circular discs. Do this to all the plantains.
- Take one piece of plantain and place two tsp of grated cheese into the center. Add another slice of plantain on top of the grated cheese to form a “pocket.” Ensure all the edges of the plantains are properly sealed. Repeat this step with all the remaining plantain slices. Set aside.
- In a bowl, make the smooth batter by whisking together the eggs, flour, sugar, sugar, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda is optional, but if you like a little crunch to your food, then definitely add the baking soda. Add the milk, and mix well to ensure the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat.
- Dip the plantains filled with mozzarella cheese into the thick batter and deep fry them in hot oil. Fry them for 5 minutes or until they develop a golden brown color.
- Use the slotted spoon to remove them from the vegetable oil and place them on paper towels or parchment paper to drain the excess oil.
- Serve warm, and enjoy.
Note: Some Colombians add guava paste to this aborrajados recipe for extra sweetness when serving as a dessert. The combination of the cheese and guava paste is incredible!
Serving Suggestions for Aborrajados
- Popular side dishes that complement aborrajados: Aborrajados are often served with savory dishes such as rice, beans, or a salad. These traditional Colombian side dishes provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the aborrajados and balance out the meal.
- Drinks that pair well with aborrajados: The Colombian treat is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, which complements the sweetness of the typical dish. Other popular Colombian beverages that pair well with aborrajados include hot chocolate, tea, or a refreshing fruit juice.
- Different ways to present and serve aborrajados: Aborrajados can be served as a snack or a dessert, depending on how they are prepared. Some people like to serve them on a platter with a side of dipping sauce, while others prefer to dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon for added flavor. Aborrajados can also be served as a sweet and savory appetizer by adding ham or bacon to the cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, aborrajados are a unique and delicious Colombian dish.
They are made by stuffing ripe plantains with cheese, battering them and frying them until crispy.
The combination of sweet plantains and salty cheese (and guava paste) creates a perfect balance of flavors that make the Colombian fritters an indulgent snack or dessert.
Aborrajados are a popular and well-loved dish in Colombia and are often enjoyed with rice, beans or other savory dishes.
Additionally, they pair well with a hot cup of Colombian coffee or a refreshing fruit juice.
To learn more about Colombian food and to get authentic Colombian recipes visit our Colombian food section.
Sources
- The Spruce Eats: Aborrajados (Fried Sweet Plantains With Cheese)
- U.S Department of Agriculture: Plantains, yellow, baked
- Taste Atlas: Aborrajado
- Familia Kitchen: Jorge’s Aborrajados, Colombian Plantain Fritters
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.