Honduran Beef and Plantain Pie

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the classic Shepherd's Pie, we have incorporated traditional Honduran flavors and ingredients to create a unique Honduran Beef and Plantain Pie. The original British dish typically uses lamb or mutton as the main protein, while we have replaced it with beef to cater to the Honduran taste preferences. Additionally, we have added ripe plantains, a staple ingredient in Honduran cuisine, to provide a touch of sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. The spices used in the marinade have also been adjusted to reflect the traditional Honduran spice blend, adding a distinct and authentic taste to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Shepherd's Pie, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 12g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced plantains on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the plantains, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Arrange the remaining plantains on top of the beef mixture, creating a second layer.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the plantains are golden and slightly caramelized.
10. 10.
    Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly ripe to maintain their shape during baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Serve the Honduran Beef and Plantain Pie with a side of Honduran-style rice and beans for a complete meal.
• If plantains are not available, you can substitute them with ripe bananas, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving advice

Allow the Honduran Beef and Plantain Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the flavors have melded together. Serve it as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top of the pie before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish visually appealing.