National Dish Ecuador: Patacones (Recipe)
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Meet Patacones, Ecuador’s much-loved take on twice-fried green plantains! Crisp on the outside, tender within, these golden rounds bring a taste of South American sunshine straight to your kitchen. They shine as a moreish snack, a versatile side or a canvas for all manner of toppings. Simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, patacones prove that the humblest of dishes can be the most satisfying of all.
About Patacones
Patacones are a traditional dish from Ecuador, made from green plantains and prized for being crisp, tasty and wonderfully easy to prepare. They are most often served as a snack or side dish and enjoy huge popularity across many other South American countries too. Their versatility is what makes them so special: they work beautifully alongside all sorts of mains, or as a base for creative toppings. Once you have mastered the simple twice-frying technique, they will quickly become a firm favourite.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–3 green plantains
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Water
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Patacones, it is important to choose fresh, unblemished green plantains. These unripe plantains have a high starch content, which gives them the perfect texture to turn crisp. You will find them in many supermarkets as well as at local markets and Latin American or Caribbean grocers. Be sure to use a good-quality vegetable oil for frying too, as this makes all the difference to the final flavour of the dish.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking your Patacones, peel the green plantains and cut them into slices roughly 2–3 cm thick. These slices are then blanched to soften the plantain a little and shorten the frying time. Let the slices cool briefly after blanching so they hold their shape when fried again. It is important to pat the plantains dry afterwards to stop the hot oil from spitting.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the peeled and sliced plantains to a pan of boiling water and blanch for about 5–7 minutes.
- Lift the plantain slices out of the water and let them drain well.
- Press each drained slice flat with a flat object, such as a plate, into a thin disc.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and carefully lower in the flattened slices. Fry until golden brown.
- Remove the patacones, drain on kitchen paper and season with salt to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Making Patacones is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since the main ingredient is simply green plantains. Just take care that the vegetable oil you use is also free from any gluten-containing additives. These qualities make patacones a great choice for anyone with particular dietary needs. You can even adjust them with different spices or herbs to vary the flavour further, without changing what makes them so suitable for special diets.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Patacones are naturally vegan and vegetarian, which makes them a perfect snack for anyone following these diets. You can serve your patacones with plant-based toppings such as guacamole, salsa or even sautéed vegetables. For a protein-rich option, try adding black beans or lentils on top. Variations like these make the dish not only tasty but genuinely nourishing, much like a hearty Menestra De Frijoles.
More tips and tricks
To make sure your Patacones turn out perfectly crisp, it is essential that the oil is at the right temperature. If it is too hot, they will burn on the outside while remaining raw within. You can test it by dropping a small piece of plantain into the oil; if it starts to bubble straight away, the oil is ready. Draining the patacones on kitchen paper is just as important, as it removes any excess fat and keeps them crisp.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Patacones are highly adaptable, and there are plenty of ways to tailor the recipe to your own taste. You might use different spices such as paprika, garlic powder or chilli to give them an extra kick. You can also experiment with the toppings to create new combinations and textures. This versatility makes patacones the perfect candidate for a spot of culinary experimentation, in the same generous spirit as Bolon De Verde.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find green plantains, some recipes let you experiment with riper varieties or other starchy produce, though these will have a different texture and taste. Another popular alternative is to use sweet potatoes, which make for an equally delicious variation. Be creative and try different versions to find the perfect treat for you. For a similar crisp plantain snack, the thinly sliced Chifles are well worth a look.
Drink pairing ideas
For an authentic experience, serve your Patacones alongside a traditional Ecuadorian drink, such as a fresh lemonade or an almond-based beverage. A classic beer or a refreshing cocktail also makes a great companion to this snack. Stirring a few fresh herbs into your drinks can lift the whole experience. The right drink can deepen the overall flavour of the meal, and a warming Canelazo is a lovely choice on a cooler evening.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your Patacones as appetisingly as possible, arrange them on a large plate and surround them with a selection of dips and sauces. Set out guacamole, salsa and yoghurt on the side, for example, so each guest can put together their own creation. Fresh herbs or edible flowers can also be used to decorate and add a visual highlight. An attractive presentation elevates the whole dining experience.
A bit of history
Patacones have their origins in the indigenous culture of Ecuador and have been enjoyed for centuries. They were originally prepared by native peoples with the simplest of means and, over time, grew into a beloved snack right across the region. Today patacones are a fixture not only in Ecuador but in many other South American countries too. Their simplicity and unmistakable flavour have made them a timeless classic of Ecuadorian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Patacones
Patacones are more than just a snack; they are a piece of culture you can bring home to your own kitchen. Their crisp texture and delicious flavour make them an essential part of Ecuadorian cuisine. Whether you enjoy them plain or dress them up creatively with different toppings and dips, patacones offer endless ways to please every palate. Give this simple, tasty recipe a try and bring a little bit of Ecuador to your table.
