Venezuelan patacones: how to prepare them at home with available ingredients

Asado Negro, Tequeños, Pork rinds, Bollos pelones, Venezuelan appetizers

Have you ever tried the irresistible and crunchy Venezuelan patacones? If you haven't had the chance yet, you don't know what you're missing! Patacones are a delicious and traditional recipe of Venezuelan gastronomy that has become an emblematic dish of our culture. But what if I told you that you don't need to leave home to enjoy its authentic and crunchy flavor?

In this article we will show you how to prepare Venezuelan patacones at home with readily available ingredients. Yes, you read that right, at home! With our simple recipe guide, you will be able to surprise your family and friends with this delicious preparation. And the best of all is that you only need a few ingredients that you probably have at home. Do you dare to try it? Join us on this culinary journey and discover the flavor of Venezuela in your kitchen!

Origins and history of the Venezuelan patacones

Patacones are a typical preparation of Venezuelan gastronomy that has become one of the most emblematic recipes of the country. Although there is no exact date of its origin, it is believed that it comes from the coastal region of Venezuela, where plantains are grown.

Plantains, which are the main ingredient of Venezuelan patacones, arrived in Latin America at the time of Spanish colonization. In Venezuela, the indigenous people already knew the fruit and used it in their diet, but it was during the colonial period that its consumption became popular.

The preparation of Venezuelan patacones consists of cutting the green plantains into thick slices and then frying them in hot oil. Then, the plantain slices are flattened to give them a disk shape and fried again to make them crispy.

Venezuelan patacones have become a culinary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, their popularity has crossed the borders of Venezuela, and today it is possible to find them in many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ingredients needed to prepare Venezuelan patacones at home

• Green plantains: you will need 2 or 3 green plantains, depending on the size and quantity of Venezuelan patacones you want to prepare.
• Vegetable oil: you will need enough vegetable oil to fry the patacones. Sunflower, corn or canola oil are good choices.
• Salt: will be used to season the patacones to taste.

It is important to note that these are the basic ingredients to prepare Venezuelan patacones, but there are also variations and additions that can add more flavor and texture to the preparation.

Some people prefer to add minced garlic, black pepper, cumin or even a little sugar to the salt mixture to season the patacones. In addition, you can also add other ingredients such as shredded meat, shredded chicken, grated cheese, guasacaca, among others, to fill the Venezuelan patacones and give them an extra touch of flavor.

Step by step to prepare the patacones

1. Peel and cut the plantains: Peel the green plantains and cut them into thick slices about 2 centimeters thick.
2. Boil the plantains or fry them: Place the plantain slices in a pot with water and salt. Boil for approximately 10 minutes or until soft. Another option is to fry the plantain slices instead of boiling in water.
3. Mash the plantains: Using a flat, sturdy object, such as a cutting board or plate, mash each plantain slice into a disk. If desired, you can cover the object with plastic wrap to prevent the plantains from sticking.
4. Fry the patacones: Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the patacones until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. It is important not to overcrowd the pan so that the patacones remain crispy and golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil: Place the patacones on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
6. Season to taste: Season the patacones to taste and serve hot.

As mentioned above, there are variations and additions that can add more flavor and texture to the preparation. If you wish to stuff the Venezuelan patacones, place a portion of the filling of your choice in the center of each patacon before mashing and frying.

Here is the recipe for Patacones Venezolanos con carne mechada courtesy of La Cocina de Nina and her youtube channel.

Tips for best results

1. Choose firm green plantains: Green plantains are the ones used for Venezuelan patacones, as they contain less sugar and are firmer, allowing them to fry and crisp up. Be sure to choose green plantains that are firm to the touch and unblemished.
2. Cut the banana slices evenly: It is important that the plantain slices are evenly thick so that they cook evenly and get crispy.
3. Flatten the plantains firmly: When flattening the plantains to shape them into patacones, it is important to do it firmly so that they are well compacted and do not fall apart when frying.
4. Adjust the oil temperature: It is important that the oil is at the right temperature when frying the patacones. If the oil is too cold, the patacones may become soft. If it is too hot, they may burn. The ideal temperature is approximately 180°C.
5. Drain excess oil: After frying the patacones, it is important to place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil and make them crispy.
6. Serve the patacones hot: Venezuelan patacones are best when served hot and freshly made. If necessary, you can keep them warm in the oven at low temperature while you finish frying the rest.

Tips for crispy patacones

1. Choose green plantains: be sure to select green plantains and not ripe plantains, as this will influence the final texture of the patacones. Green plantains are firmer and contain less sugar, which allows them to fry and crisp up.
2. Cut the plantains into thick slices: cut the plantains into slices at least 2 centimeters thick, this allows the patacones to be crispier when fried.
3. Fry the patacones twice: once you have fried the plantain slices, flatten them to give them their characteristic patacon shape and fry them again. This helps to make them crispier.
4. Use fresh oil: oil that has been used several times can affect the texture of the patacones. Therefore, it is advisable to use fresh oil every time you are going to fry the patacones.

Variations and accompaniments

1. Meat fillings: one option is to fill patacones with shredded meat, shredded chicken, ground beef, among others.
2. Vegetarian fillings: you can use ingredients such as avocado, grated white cheese, cabbage and carrot salad, among others.
3. Sauces: different sauces such as guasacaca, hot bell pepper, garlic mayonnaise, among others, can be added to give it an extra touch of flavor.
4. Grated cheese: it is common to add grated cheese on top of freshly made patacones, so that it melts and integrates with the rest of the ingredients.
5. Ripe plantain: it is possible to make mixed patacones, including fried ripe plantain and patacon, to give more texture and flavor to the preparation.
6. Chicharrón: another popular side dish is chicharrón, which is added on top of the patacones to give them a crunchy and salty flavor.
7. Salad: patacones can be accompanied with a fresh and colorful salad, which provides nutrients and contrast of flavors.
8. Drinks: typical Venezuelan drinks such as chicha, papelón with lemon or a refreshing lemonade, are an excellent option to accompany the patacones.

These are just a few options, but in reality the possibilities are endless and depend on the taste and creativity of each person. Enjoy!

Sauces to accompany the patacones

In Venezuela you can't miss good sauces to accompany your meals, here are some suggestions for Venezuelan patacones:

1. Guasacaca: is a fresh and creamy sauce based on avocado, cilantro, onion, garlic and paprika. It is a very popular sauce in Venezuela and is the perfect accompaniment for patacones.
2. Aji picante: is a spicy sauce based on chili peppers, onion, garlic and vinegar. This sauce is ideal for those who enjoy a strong and spicy flavor.
3. Garlic mayonnaise: it is a smooth and creamy sauce based on mayonnaise and garlic. This sauce is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor.
4. Golf sauce: it is a sauce based on mayonnaise and ketchup. It is a mild and slightly sweet sauce, which is very popular in Venezuela to accompany patacones.
5. Tartar sauce: it is a creamy sauce based on mayonnaise, pickles, capers and onion. This sauce is ideal for those who are looking for a milder and fresher flavor.
6. Cheese sauce: is a thick and creamy sauce based on cheese, milk and spices. It is a perfect sauce for those who enjoy a more intense and salty flavor.

You can continue to enjoy Venezuelan food, as well as their arepas.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to know other articles similar to Venezuelan patacones: how to prepare them at home with available ingredients you can visit the category Comida Venezolana.