Puerto Rican Style Enchiladas

Ingredients

While the original Mexican enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas and filled with various meats, our Puerto Rican adaptation takes a different approach. We use plantain tortillas, which add a unique sweetness and a touch of tropical flair. The filling is a combination of seasoned ground beef, sofrito, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, giving these enchiladas a distinct Puerto Rican twist. We alse have the original recipe for Enchiladas, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Puerto Rican sofrito 1 tablespoon (15g) Puerto Rican sofrito
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 15g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Stir in the Puerto Rican sofrito, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, heat a separate skillet over medium heat and lightly fry the plantain slices until golden brown on both sides.
7. 7.
   Remove the plantain slices from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
8. 8.
   Take a plantain slice and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Roll it up and place it in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining plantain slices and beef mixture.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the enchiladas.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and black spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Puerto Rican sofrito — If you can't find pre-made sofrito, you can make your own by blending together onions, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, and culantro (or cilantro substitute).

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken or cooked black beans.
• Serve the enchiladas with a side of Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.
• If you can't find plantains, you can use ripe bananas as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or spinach.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Style Enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany them with a side of Puerto Rican rice and beans for a satisfying and authentic meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the enchiladas on a platter, drizzle some extra tomato sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an appetizing presentation. Serve with a side of colorful salad to add freshness to the plate.