Ecuador Cheesy Plantains and Crispy Pork

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs are leaner and more affordable.

Peel and slice the plantains into thick rounds.

Fry the plantains in hot oil until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the plantains and drain on paper towels.

In a skillet, cook diced pork belly until crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pork and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and cumin.

Mash the fried plantains in a bowl and mix with cheese and cilantro.

Form the plantain mixture into small patties.

Dip each patty in beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.

Bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden, about 15-20 minutes.

Serve the cheesy plantain patties topped with crispy pork and a squeeze of lime.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens