Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 cup refried black beans
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Potato masher or fork
- Piping bag or plastic bag with corner cut off
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them in salted water until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Drain the plantains and mash them with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
3. Divide the mashed plantains into 12 equal portions and flatten each one into a disc.
4. Spoon a tablespoon of refried black beans onto the center of each plantain disc.
5. Fold the edges of the plantain disc over the beans and pinch to seal, forming a ball shape.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
7. Fry the plantain balls in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
8. Remove the plantain balls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
9. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
10. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the syrup thickens.
11. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and queso fresco.
12. Fill a piping bag or plastic bag with the sour cream mixture.
13. Using a small knife, make a small hole in the top of each plantain ball.
14. Pipe the sour cream mixture into the hole.
15. Drizzle the cinnamon syrup over the top of the plantain balls.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 rellenitos de plátano
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 210
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 130mg
Sugar: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of refried black beans, you can use mashed pinto beans or cooked ground beef.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese.
- Instead of queso fresco, you can use feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped cooked bacon or chorizo to the refried beans for a meaty twist.
- Top the rellenitos with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a different type of syrup, such as chocolate or caramel, instead of the cinnamon syrup.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but not overripe. They should be yellow with some black spots.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the plantain balls from the oil to avoid splatters.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a small spoon to fill the holes with the sour cream mixture.
- Serve the rellenitos warm for the best flavor and texture.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover rellenitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the rellenitos in the microwave or oven until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the rellenitos on a platter and drizzle the cinnamon syrup over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro or green onions
Pairings:
Serve the rellenitos with a side of rice and beans or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas)
- Ensalada de aguacate y tomate (avocado and tomato salad)
- Tostones (fried plantain slices)
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the plantain balls are falling apart when frying, make sure they are sealed tightly and the oil is at the right temperature.
- If the cinnamon syrup is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the sour cream mixture is too thick to pipe, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the plantain balls safely.
- Use caution when filling the piping bag or plastic bag to avoid burns.
- Store leftover rellenitos in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Food history:
Rellenitos de plátano are a traditional Guatemalan dish made with mashed plantains and refried beans. They are typically served as a snack or dessert.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, savory, creamy, and slightly spicy from the cinnamon syrup.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the rellenitos with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
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Region: Guatemalan