Latin American > Peru > Tacachos Peruvian

Tacacho with Cheese and Plantain Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 green plantains
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- 1/2 cup of pork cracklings
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle
- Large bowl
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into small pieces.
2. Boil the plantains in salted water until they are soft.
3. Drain the water and mash the plantains in a mortar and pestle until they form a dough.
4. Add the pork cracklings and mix well.
5. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
6. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
7. Fry the balls until they are golden brown on all sides.
8. Remove from the pan and let them cool for a few minutes.
9. Cut a small slit in the center of each ball and stuff them with grated cheese.
10. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork cracklings can be substituted with bacon bits or chorizo.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any other cooking oil.

Variations:
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
- Stuff the balls with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are fully cooked before mashing them.
- Use a wooden spoon to mix the dough to avoid burning your hands.
- Stuff the balls with cheese while they are still warm to make it easier.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tacachos in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tacachos on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of rice and beans or a salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water to make it more pliable.
- If the balls fall apart while frying, add more pork cracklings to the dough.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork cracklings are fully cooked before adding them to the dough.

Food history:
- Tacacho is a traditional dish from the Amazon region of Peru.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, crispy, cheesy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a main course.

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Region: Peruvian

Taste: Savory, Salty, Sweet, Creamy, Tangy