Haitian-style Stuffed Plantain Rolls

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we replace the traditional dough used in Gluhi štruklji with ripe plantains, a staple ingredient in Haitian cuisine. The filling is also modified to incorporate Haitian flavors, using ground beef seasoned with traditional Haitian spices like thyme and Scotch bonnet peppers. The cooking method remains the same, with the rolls being steamed to perfection. We alse have the original recipe for Gluhi štruklji, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) 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 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Banana leaves (for steaming) Banana leaves (for steaming)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them until tender, then mash them into a smooth dough.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. 4.
   Take a portion of the plantain dough and flatten it into a rectangle on a banana leaf. Spoon a portion of the filling onto the dough and roll it up tightly.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
6. 6.
   Place the rolls in a steamer lined with banana leaves and steam for about 30 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Remove from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots for the best flavor and texture.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Adjust the amount of pepper according to your spice preference. Be cautious as Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute for steaming.
• Serve the stuffed plantain rolls with a side of pikliz, a traditional Haitian spicy cabbage slaw, for an extra burst of flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.

Serving advice

Serve the Haitian-style stuffed plantain rolls warm as a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of pikliz and a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed plantain rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. The vibrant colors of the rolls and the aromatic herbs will make for an enticing presentation.