This recipe captured my heart, and I’m sure it will capture yours, too! It’s so delicious you’ll want to have it for breakfast every single day. Easy, quick, and satisfying—this Brazilian Fried Banana with Cheese (Cartola) is today’s must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Brazilian Cartola:
- 1 Plantain (ripe, with black spots);
- 2 slices of Mozzarella cheese (or traditional Queijo Coalho if available);
- Ground cinnamon to taste;
- Peanut butter to taste (optional);
- Non-stick skillet.
How to make Brazilian Cartola:
- Place the two slices of mozzarella at the bottom of a non-stick skillet;
- Meanwhile, slice the plantain into rounds or lengthwise strips;
- Arrange the plantain slices on top of the mozzarella, covering the pan;
- Sprinkle your desired amount of ground cinnamon over the bananas;
- Optional: Drizzle your preferred amount of peanut butter over the top using a spoon;
- Turn the stove to medium heat;
- Wait for the mozzarella to melt and form a golden, crispy crust (keep a close watch so it doesn’t burn);
- That’s it! Grab your coffee and enjoy this treat—it’s absolutely amazing!
Pro-Tips:
You can make this dish with any variety of banana you prefer. Feel free to upgrade it by drizzling melted chocolate over the bananas for a decadent twist.
A Bit About the History of Cartola:
This delicacy originated in the grand manor houses of the sugar mills in Pernambuco, Brazil. The traditional base consists of bananas fried in butter or oil, topped with melted queijo de coalho (a firm, squeaky grilling cheese) or queijo de manteiga, finished with a classic cinnamon and sugar coating. One of the most iconic versions is served at Restaurante Leite, the oldest restaurant in Brazil. By Law 13.751, passed in April 2009, Cartola was officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Pernambuco (Source: Wikipedia).
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