Latin American > Cuban > Appetizer

Cuban Frita Fries Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 lb frozen french fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chorizo sausage until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, white vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
5. Meanwhile, spread frozen french fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
6. In the same skillet as the meat mixture, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked french fries to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the fries and meat mixture. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 685
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 118mg
Sodium: 1465mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 33g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted for chorizo sausage.
- Yellow or orange bell pepper can be substituted for red or green bell pepper.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of regular french fries for a healthier option.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to spread the frozen french fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust on the bottom of the fries.
- Double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party dish.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or sour cream.

Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing mojito.

Suggested side dishes:
Cuban black beans and rice, plantain chips, or a simple green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting, try broiling the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef and chorizo sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Frita is a popular Cuban street food, typically made with a beef and chorizo patty served on a bun with shoestring potatoes. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by serving the meat mixture on top of crispy french fries.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly spicy, with a crispy texture from the french fries and a gooey melted cheese topping.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a fun appetizer for a party or game day.

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Region: Cuban

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Salty, Flavorful