California Queso Patacones

Directions

  1. For the Patacones, peel plantains by cutting 1/4 in off each end of the plantain. Carefully, without cutting into the plantain itself, slice the skin down one side. Gently pry the peel off with your fingers. Cut each plantain into 1- to 1 1/2-in pieces and place them in a stock pot filled with salted water. Boil the plantains for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you can poke a needle through them. Drain off the water and cool the plantains.
  2. Spray 2 pieces of wax paper with food-release spray. Place a piece of plantain standing on the wax paper, top with the other paper, and use a small sauté pan to flatten it without breaking until it is about 1/4 in thick. Repeat until all the cut plantains are flattened.
  3. Preheat a fryer to 350 degrees F. Fry the plantain rounds in small batches until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain the plantains on a sheet tray lined with paper towels. Season with sea salt on both sides.
  4.  For the Queso Relish, combine the vinegar, lime juice, sugar, red pepper flakes, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine and dissolve the sugar.
  5. In another bowl, mix together the Oaxaca cheese, tomatoes, onions, corn, avocado, green onions, and cilantro until well combined. Pour the vinegar mixture onto the vegetables and mix gently to combine well. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Store, label, and refrigerate.
  6. For service, preheat a broiler or salamander. Coat a half sheet tray with food-release spray.
  7. Place 3 patacones on the tray. Top each with at least 1/2 oz shredded Oaxaca cheese. Place in the broiler/salamander until cheese is completely melted.
  8. Top each with 2 Tbsp of Queso Relish, piling it high. Garnish with green onions (optional) and serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Ingredients

  • 8 ea plantains, green
  • salt, as needed
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper, flakes
  • pinch salt, kosher
  • 1/2 cup Real California Milk® Oaxaca cheese, 1/4 in. dice
  • 1/4 cup tomato(es), Roma, 1/4 in. dice
  • 1/4 cup onion(s), red, 1/4 in. dice
  • 1/4 cup roasted corn, chilled
  • 1/4 cup avocado, 1/4 in. dice
  • 1 1/2 oz Real California Milk® Oaxaca cheese, shredded
  • as needed onion(s), green, Julienned
  • 1 ea lime, wedge(s)