National Dish Colombia: Patacones (Recipe)
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Say hello to Patacones, one of Colombia’s most cherished bites and a fixture on tables right across Latin America. Made from humble green plantains, they are twice-fried until wonderfully crisp on the outside yet tender within. Salty, satisfying and endlessly moreish, they work brilliantly as a snack, a starter or a side to almost any meal. Best of all, they come together with just a handful of ingredients — bringing a taste of the Colombian coast straight to your kitchen.
About Patacones
Patacones are a traditional national dish of Colombia and are hugely popular throughout Latin America. They are made from green plantains, prized for their savoury flavour and satisfyingly crisp texture. The preparation happens in two stages: the plantains are first sliced and pre-fried, then flattened and fried a second time until golden brown. These delicious little rounds are not only tasty but wonderfully versatile, pairing happily with all manner of dips and sides.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–3 green plantains
- Oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: avocado, beans or a garlic sauce, for dipping
Shopping for the ingredients
To make patacones you need, above all, firm green plantains, which are available in most large supermarkets and in Asian or Latin American grocers. Choose plantains that are firm and unblemished, as softer, riper ones will not give the crisp result you are after. Your frying oil should be good quality too, so the flavour really sings. It is also worth deciding on your dip in advance, so you can tuck into the patacones the moment they are ready.
Preparing the dish
Before you start frying, it helps to have everything to hand. First, peel the plantains and cut them into rounds about 2–3 cm thick — a sharp knife makes this far easier. Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer, as the plantains should go into the oil soon after slicing to keep them at their freshest. A tidy, organised worktop makes the two-stage frying run smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the plantain slices for about 3–4 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Lift them out of the oil and let them drain briefly on kitchen paper.
- Gently flatten each piece until it is roughly 1 cm thick.
- Fry the flattened plantains again for 3–5 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve straight away with your chosen dips.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Patacones are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes them a superb snack for anyone with particular dietary needs. You can enjoy them without a second thought about the ingredients — a delicious and genuinely wholesome choice. Simply serve them with your favourite dips, taking care that these are gluten- and lactose-free too, and everyone at the table can dig in.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Patacones are an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians, as they contain no animal products at all. For extra texture and flavour, prepare a few plant-based dips such as hummus or a lively salsa — these complement the plantains perfectly and add another dimension to every bite. Use fresh ingredients wherever you can to bring out the naturally light, wholesome quality of the dish.
More tips and tricks
The key to great patacones is the temperature of the oil. Make sure it is properly hot so the plantains fry quickly and evenly. Oil that is too cool leaves them soggy, while oil that is too hot will scorch them. Experiment with different dips and sides to find your own favourite combination — patacones are just as good alongside a meaty Sancocho or piled into a hearty bowl.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Depending on your own preferences, the patacones recipe is easy to tweak. Add spices such as paprika or garlic powder for extra depth of flavour, or a pinch of chilli or cayenne if you like a bit of heat. The freedom to season them just as you please makes patacones the perfect snack for any party or celebration — so let your creativity run free and explore different flavours.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot get hold of green plantains, you can swap in another starchy vegetable such as yuca (cassava) — the very same root that stars in Pastel De Yuca. The method stays much the same, though the texture will vary a little. The frying oil can change too: sunflower or peanut oil are both excellent alternatives that lend a lovely flavour, so feel free to experiment to find the taste and texture you like best.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of refreshing drinks go beautifully with patacones, especially when served as a snack or starter. A delicious fruit juice such as pineapple or mango harmonises perfectly with the savoury plantains — try a tangy Jugo De Lulo for something distinctly Colombian. A crisp sparkling water or a cold beer works well too, and for something with a kick, a mojito or piña colada rounds out the flavours nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
To show patacones off at their best, serve them fresh and crisp. Arrange your dips prettily in small bowls scattered with fresh herbs, or lay everything out in colourful dishes. Garnish the plate with a little avocado or top the patacones with a spoonful of tangy salsa. When it comes to presentation, there really are no limits — a generous, inviting spread is always a winner.
A bit of history
The story of patacones is woven into Colombian and wider Latin American food culture. These crisp plantain rounds are far more than a simple snack: they feature in countless traditional meals and have been passed down through the generations in family recipes. Served at festive gatherings and everyday dinners alike, they remain a genuine emblem of the region’s culinary identity and its love of Colombian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Patacones
Patacones are not only a delicious snack but also a wonderful way to discover the flavours of Colombia. They are simple to make and leave plenty of room for creative twists. Whether you serve them as a side, a main or a snack, these crispy fried plantains are sure to please everyone. Give them a go and let their range of flavours win you over.
