Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 pound of beef sirloin, cut into small cubes
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of water
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Peel the plantains and cut them into small pieces. Place them in a mortar and pestle and mash them until they form a smooth paste.
3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the beef cubes to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
7. While the beef is simmering, form the mashed plantain into small balls.
8. Place the plantain balls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Serve the beef and plantain balls together on a plate.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef sirloin can be substituted with chicken or pork.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor.
- Use green plantains instead of ripe plantains for a different texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantain balls are well-formed before baking to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the beef from sticking to the pan.
- Add a splash of lime juice to the beef for extra tanginess.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tacacho and beef on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the plantain balls are falling apart, add a little bit of flour to the mixture to help bind them together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Tacacho is a traditional dish from the Amazon region of Peru, made with mashed plantains and served with various meats.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Peruvian