Recipe and photo courtesy of California Milk Advisory Board
Makes 20 – 24 servings
The Patacones:
7 or 8 each green plantains
Sea salt, as needed
Peel plantains by cutting ¼ inch 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 ½-inch 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.
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 ¼ inch thick. Repeat until all the cut plantains are flattened.
Preheat a fryer to 350°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.
The Queso Relish:
¼ c. rice wine vinegar
1 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. sugar
¼ t. red pepper flakes
Pinch Kosher salt
½ c. of ¼-inch dice Real California Oaxaca cheese
¼ c. of ¼-inch dice Roma tomatoes
¼ c. of ¼-inch dice red onion
¼ c. roasted corn, chilled
½ c. ¼-inch dice avocado
1 T. chopped green onions, sliced in half lengthwise
1 t. chopped cilantro
In a mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, lime juice, sugar, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Whisk to combine and dissolve the sugar. 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.
To prepare and serve (per serving):
3 each Patacones
1 ½ oz. Real California Oaxaca cheese, shredded
2 T. Queso Relish
Julienned green onions, as needed
1 each lime wedge
Preheat a broiler or salamander. Coat a half sheet tray with food-release spray. 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. Top each with 2 T. of Queso Relish, piling it high. Garnish with green onions (optional) and serve with a lime wedge on the side.