Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran sweet plantain bites with loroco chicken and fire-roasted tomato sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: golden sweet plantain rounds gently smashed and topped with loroco-braised chicken, soft quesillo, and a fire-roasted tomato sauce. It balances sweetness, acidity, and savory notes in a dish perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 medianos 700 g ripe plantains (peeled and cut into 1.25-inch thick rounds)
- 1 unidad 350 g chicken breast (skinless, cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 taza 50 g loroco buds (fresh or thawed)
- 3/4 taza 120 g Salvadoran quesillo cheese (shredded or pulled into strips)
- 4 medianos 500 g red tomatoes (for roasting)
- 1 mediana 150 g white onion (half for the sauce and half for the chicken)
- 3 dientes 9 g garlic (2 for the sauce and 1 for the chicken)
- 1/2 unidad 60 g green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 4 cucharadas 60 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 1/2 taza 120 ml chicken broth (for simmering the chicken)
- 1 cucharadita 5 g achiote paste (for color and flavor)
- 1/2 cucharadita 1 g ground cumin (divided)
- 1/2 cucharadita 0.5 g dried oregano (for the sauce)
- 1 1/4 cucharaditas 7 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1/2 cucharadita 1 g black pepper (divided)
- 1 cucharada 15 ml lime juice (to finish)
- 2 cucharadas 8 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F / 220°C. Place the tomatoes, half of the onion, and 2 garlic cloves on a tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil and roast for 18 minutes, or until the tomatoes are nicely charred around the edges.
- 2
Meanwhile, season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the achiote paste, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Mix well so all the cubes are coated.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining half of the onion, the green bell pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- 4
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and brown for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the loroco, chicken broth, and an additional 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid reduces slightly.
- 5
Remove the tray from the oven. Blend or process the roasted tomatoes, roasted onion, roasted garlic, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into a rustic sauce.
- 6
Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Adjust salt if needed.
- 7
In another large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain rounds for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and place on a plate.
- 8
Using the bottom of a glass or a spatula, gently flatten each plantain round to form thick disks. If desired, return them to the skillet for 1 minute per side so the edges become lightly crisp.
- 9
To assemble, place the plantain disks on a serving platter. Spoon the loroco chicken on top, then add the Salvadoran quesillo cheese.
- 10
Place the platter in the oven at 375°F / 190°C for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the quesillo softens. Remove from the oven, spoon over the fire-roasted tomato sauce, finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro, and serve hot.
Chef tips
Use very ripe plantains with deep yellow skins and dark spots for the best sweetness and texture. If the loroco has tough stems, remove them before cooking.
Substitutions
You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thigh. If Salvadoran quesillo is unavailable, use low-moisture fresh mozzarella. For a milder flavor, replace the green bell pepper with extra onion.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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