Easy Colombian Patacones or Green Plantains

Savory plantains weren’t on my culinary radar screen, much less something I craved. But all that has changed, now that I know about these Easy Colombian Patacones or Green Plantains. Topped with hogao, an onion and tomato condiment or guacamole, they are an amazing appetizer or side dish for any Latin-inspired meal. 

The story of how I learned to cook them should give inspiration to even the most timid cooks. Yes, you can dive into making a dish knowing nothing about it, without a “real” recipe, and come out with a mouth-watering result. As long as you have the right guide(s), you’ll be just fine. 

This month our Progressive Eats theme is Flavors of Latin American. Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but I had to look up what countries are considered in that region. The generally accepted definition is the countries in the Western Hemisphere where the inhabitants speak a Romance language. That includes the South and Central American countries, Mexico, and those in the Caribbean where the inhabitants speak Spanish or French. 

Sure I have blogged about guacamole and mole from Mexico, I do love Pati Jinich, and I adore Peruvian chicken. But if Progressive Eats has done one thing for me, it’s been to push me out of my comfort zone. So, how to get an authentic Latin American recipe and learn to cook it without just looking in a cookbook? 

How I Learned to Make Patagones or Green Plantains

Looking out my kitchen window, I pondered this First World problem. Then it came to me. I should consult my wonderful neighbor and friend Paula. She’s from Colombia. We enjoy talking about food and I figured she would have a  family favorite I could use. Paula readily agreed to help. 

She messaged me several suggestions. Ajiaco (a hearty soup), bandeja paisa (a full meal that seems similar to the Brazilian dish feijoada), and aborrajado (sweet plantain side dish) all sounded delicious. However none of them worked for this purpose.

Then I went to Paula’s house to chat about my “assignment.” Although it was the night before her son’s first day of second grade and she had work in the morning, she was generous with her time and ideas. While I only intended a few minutes of conversation, she brushed my concerns aside and we talked for what seemed like hours. 

As we chatted, Paula realized that patacones or green plantains would be a great choice for my blogpost. But without a cookbook recipe and describing them from memory, she felt her explanations were inadequate. What to do? Call her mother of course. Her mother would know, she said. I laughed.

Close to 10 pm, Paula called her mother Emilia in Canada, where Emilia now lives. On speakerphone, her mom gave me tips and general directions, laughing and promising that we’ll cook together next time she comes to visit . With Paula chiming in on the hogao topping, I had enough to go on for my first try.

The next day I made a batch and brought them over to Paula for a taste test. After a busy day at work and putting her kids to bed, she texted me with reactions to my attempt at patacones or green plantains and a few suggestions. 

My second batch was much better. Next time I see plantains in the grocery, I won’t pass them by. 

Tips on Making Patacones or Green Plantains

• First, the plantains you need for this recipe are the green ones. The green ones work for savory dishes like this one while the riper or yellow ones work for sweet plantain recipes. This photo shows the difference.  
• For those familiar with latkes, patacones are similar in that they are both fried in oil. However, unlike the potatoes used for latkes, unripe plantains must be pre-cooked before they are fried.       

• The microwaving step substitutes for the traditional way to pre-cook the plantains – frying them as cubes before smashing them. This microwave step is legit – I got it from Emilia. Microwaves differ in strength and the plantains differ in size. You want to just slightly soften the plantains, not turn them into mush.
• When you smash the plantains after microwaving them, try the make them thin. The resulting patacones should be somewhere between a pancake and a chip. 
• Toppings for patacones are a matter of taste. In addition to the guacamole, hogao, and ropa vieja Paula suggested, she also approved of my idea of diced avocado instead of guacamole. Be creative. 
• Finally, if you prefer DIY to a commercially prepared spice mixture for the hogao or ropa vieja, try this version. 

Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. Each recipe in our menu this month features the flavors of Latin America and our host this month is Karen who blogs at Karen’s Kitchen Stories.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it’s a virtual party.

Each month the host chooses the theme. Then members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious summer dishes!

Flavors of Latin America!

Cocktails

• The Caipirinha – Brazil’s Signature Cocktail – Creative Culinary

Appetizers

• Chimichuri Chicken Bites – The Wicked Noodle
• Yukka Enpenadas with Jalapeño Cilantro Salsa – SpiceRoots

Breads

• Pan Blanco Cuencano – Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Main Course

• Instant Pot Chicken Filled Arepas (gluten free) – The Heritage Cook

Side Dishes

• Patatas Bravas Chilenas (Chile Potatoes) – From a Chef’s Kitchen
• Easy Colombian Patacones or Green Plantains – Mother Would Know (you’re here!)

Desserts

• Tres Leches Cake – That Skinny Chick Can Bake