Mamallena Stuffed Plantains

Ingredients

• 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
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Peel the plantains and cut them in half lengthwise.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
6. 6.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. 7.
   Place the plantain halves on a baking sheet and spoon the ground beef mixture onto each plantain.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains are golden and the filling is heated through.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly soft for easy slicing and handling.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cumin and paprika — Adjust the amount of these spices according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other spices like chili powder or oregano for additional flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve Mamallena Stuffed Plantains with a side of fresh avocado slices or a tangy salsa for added freshness.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken, cheese, or a combination of vegetables to create your own unique twist on this traditional dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Mamallena Stuffed Plantains as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed plantains on a platter, placing them side by side to showcase their golden color and filling. Drizzle a little extra sauce from the filling over the top for an appetizing presentation.