Nicaraguan Tajadas with Queso is a delicious dish that exhibits Nicaraguan cuisine. Its simple preparation hides its flavor explosion.
My taste receptors were delighted as I bit into the crispy, golden Tajadas de Queso, a Nicaraguan delicacy.
Salty cheese and caramelized plantains exploded in my mouth, leaving me wanting more. It was a life-changing meal that inspired me to make it at home.
How to Make Nicaraguan Tajadas con Queso
I wandered Granada, Nicaragua’s busy streets, enticed by the food carts’ tantalizing scents. I couldn’t resist joining in after seeing locals enjoying something tempting. I eagerly ordered my first Tajadas de Queso from a vendor.
I marveled as the vendor skillfully sliced and sizzled delicious plantains. Salty, crumbly cheese pieces melted somewhat on the warm plantains. When basic components are treated with love and attention, magic can happen.
The first bite took me to gastronomic heaven. The crisp plantains’ soft, sweet inside was a joy. The cheese’s savory richness balanced the meal, improving it. My taste receptors were left with a symphony of textures and flavors.
From then on, I wanted to cook Nicaraguan food. I wanted to reproduce Tajadas de Queso and give friends and family the joy I felt. It became a personal mission—a gastronomic adventure to link cultures and make memories.
Ingredients of Nicaraguan Tajadas con Queso
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 cup of grated cheese (traditionally Queso Seco or Queso Blanco is used)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: sour cream or crema fresca for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Make
Step 1: Preparing the Plantains
Begin by selecting ripe plantains.
They should have yellow skin with some black spots, indicating that they are fully ripe and ready to be used in this recipe.
Peel the plantains and cut them into diagonal slices, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Step 2: Frying the Plantains
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the plantain slices into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Fry the plantains until they turn golden brown on both sides, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the fried plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 3: Assembling the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish or oven-safe platter and arrange a layer of fried plantains on the bottom.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the plantains, ensuring each slice is adequately covered.
Repeat the process, creating layers of plantains and cheese until you have used up all the ingredients. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Baking and Serving
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Garnish the Tajadas con Queso with a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca, if desired, and a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors.
The contrast between the sweet, caramelized plantains and the creamy, slightly salty cheese is simply irresistible.
Nicaraguan Tajadas con Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 cup of grated cheese traditionally Queso Seco or Queso Blanco is used
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Optional: sour cream or crema fresca for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by selecting ripe plantains. They should have a yellow skin with some black spots, indicating that they are fully ripe and ready to be used in this recipe. Peel the plantains and cut them into diagonal slices, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the plantain slices into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the plantains until they turn golden brown on both sides, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the fried plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish or oven-safe platter and arrange a layer of fried plantains on the bottom. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the plantains, ensuring each slice is adequately covered. Repeat the process, creating layers of plantains and cheese until you have used up all the ingredients. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish the Tajadas con Queso with a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca, if desired, and a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors. The contrast between the sweet, caramelized plantains and the creamy, slightly salty cheese is simply irresistible.
