Let's cook! 

Recipe: Plantain stuffed with cheese and Colombian sandwich

In a previous article we had the opportunity to learn how to prepare the famous patacón with hogao from the colombian caribbean. On this occasion we will also see a very typical recipe of Colombian cuisine, but, unlike patacón with hogao, stuffed banana is a sweet dish: a unique and different dessert for any occasion! 

But before…

Do you know what banana is?

The banana is one of the plants that originally comes from the jungle and has more than 500 varieties. The variety that we commonly find in homes originates from Southeast Asia. Its name in America comes from the Latin term “platanus”, which means flat and wide. Other versions suggest that its name could derive from the word "silver", a term that in Colombia refers to money, due to the round shape in which it was traditionally cut and that, when fried, took on a golden color, thus resembling coins. of gold. 

In 1885, the Boston Fruit Company was founded by an American named Lorenzo Baker, which soon became the United Fruit Company, controlling the entire process: planting, growing, harvesting and transporting the product. In Colombia, the banana became an export fruit. Today, we can find bananas in all markets around the world. In Europe, we find plantations in countries like Spain, but the largest production is concentrated in Asia, some countries in Africa and South America.

The banana is considered the third most popular fruit in the world, thanks to its numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, helps prevent cancer, and acts as a natural source of serotonin, which elevates the mood. Additionally, it can contribute to weight loss. It can be consumed in many ways: in soups, fruit salads and pre-cooked preparations, depending on its state of maturity. But, without a doubt, the favorite preparation of all Colombians is the one we will learn about below: banana stuffed with cheese and sandwich, a delicious guava-based jelly that we can find in a large number of Colombian desserts. 

Recipe for banana stuffed with cheese and Colombian sandwich

USED ​​VERBS 

• Wash (hands)
• To warm
• Seal
• Remove
• Cut
• Fill
• Serve

UTENSILS (VOCABULARY)

• Apron
• Coif (cooking cap)
• Container (salad bowl)
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Knives

Ingredients: (for 10 people) 

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 spoonful of butter
• 2 very ripe bananas
• Mozzarella cheese or double cream cheese, which can be grated or chopped into pieces (recommendation: about ¼ pound)
• Guava sandwich or paste to taste

 Preparation: 

1. Heat the oil with the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sear the ripe bananas on both sides until golden.
3. Remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly.
4. Cut them along the top and lengthwise, without completely separating them, in a butterfly style.
5. Fill them with the cheese and the sandwich until the cheese is completely melted (approx. 20-25 minutes).
6. Serve them immediately on a long plate or in a refractory.
7. Enjoy a spectacular dessert, with the best Colombian flavor that only banana stuffed with cheese and sandwich can offer you!

The stuffed banana is part of the recipes that we prepare in the Spanish school Nueva Lengua during our Spanish and Colombian cuisine classes. All our Spanish courses include weekly cooking classes, so you can put your learning into practice and live unique experiences in the process. For more information about our courses, write to us at info@nuevalengua.com or send us a message on any of our social networks @nuevalengua.