Aborrajados, or "battered", are a regional specialty from Cali. Cheese-filled plantains are dipped in batter and deep-fried, creating this crunchy, savory dish. This recipe was given to us by Jaime Otero Llanos and Celmira Otero Llanos.

Ingrediants:

• 2 very ripe plantains
• 7 oz. of queso fresco (this can be found in Latin American specialty stores)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 cup of flour

Directions:

Batter:

1. First make the batter by mixing milk, egg, salt, and sugar.
2. Add one tablespoon of flour at a time until batter is semi-thick.

Plantains:

1. Peel and cut plantains into 2-inch sections.
2. Fry in a pan until golden.
3. Press down on the fried plantains to flatten them.
4. Place a tablespoon amount of cheese in between the two sections of plantain.
5. Using your fingers, press down on the sides of the plantain pieces.
6. Dip the pieces in the batter for a couple minutes.
7. Fry the aborrajados until golden brown.

Carolina Restrepo is a program intern for the Columbia program at the 2011 Folklife Festival.