Entree: Colombia – Caribbean Coast – Cayeye con Queso (Mashed green plantains from Colombia's Caribbean coast finished with butter and crumbled salted white cheese)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 10 min

Total 50 min

Ingredients

- 3 large green plantains, about 2 lb (900 g) total
- 4 cups (960 ml) water, plus more as needed for cooking
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped, about 3 oz (85 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, about 6 g
- 8 oz (225 g) queso costeño or other firm salted white cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh cilantro (optional), about 4 g
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced, about 6 oz (170 g) (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow lengthwise slit through the skin; peel and cut into 1–1.5 inch (2–3 cm) rounds.
2. Place the plantain rounds in a pot, add 4 cups (960 ml) water to cover, add the whole onion and 1 garlic clove; bring to a boil, then simmer until plantains are very tender, about 20–25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat; sauté the remaining finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes; set aside.
4. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking liquid, then drain the plantains and remove the whole onion. Return the hot plantains to the pot.
5. Mash the plantains with a potato masher or fork, adding 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter and some reserved cooking liquid a little at a time until a smooth, slightly moist consistency is reached.
6. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic, fold in 8 oz (225 g) crumbled queso costeño, and season with 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) pepper, adjusting to taste (cheese is salty, so add salt sparingly).
7. Transfer to a warm serving dish; garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges. Serve hot with extra crumbled cheese on top.