Cuban-Inspired Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are typically served with ingredients like chorizo and Manchego cheese, Cuban-inspired tapas incorporate flavors like plantains, black beans, and citrus-infused marinades. The use of tropical fruits and spices adds a distinct Cuban twist to these small plates. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 ripe plantain, sliced (1 cm thick) 1 ripe plantain, sliced (1 cm thick)
• 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked and drained 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked and drained
• 1 lime, juiced 1 lime, juiced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced plantains to the marinade and toss until coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
4. 4.
   Place the marinated plantains on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the black beans with a squeeze of lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash lightly with a fork.
6. 6.
   Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until warm and pliable.
7. 7.
   Assemble the tapas by spreading a spoonful of mashed black beans on each tortilla. Top with a slice of baked plantain, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves.
8. 8.
   Drizzle with lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
9. 9.
   Serve the Cuban-inspired tapas immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantain — Make sure to use ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweet and creamy flavor.
• Black beans — If using canned black beans, rinse them thoroughly before mashing.
• Corn tortillas — Warm the tortillas in a skillet to make them more pliable and easier to assemble.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the sliced red bell pepper and red onion in lime juice and olive oil for 10 minutes before assembling the tapas.
• Add a touch of heat by sprinkling some chili powder or cayenne pepper on the baked plantains.
• Customize the tapas by adding grilled shrimp or shredded chicken for a heartier option.
• Serve the tapas with a side of Cuban-style rice and beans for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as diced mango, pineapple, or pickled jalapenos for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-inspired tapas on a large platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Encourage your guests to build their own tapas by adding their favorite toppings and drizzling with extra lime juice or hot sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tapas in a visually appealing manner, with the vibrant colors of the ingredients on display. Use small bowls or ramekins to hold the toppings and sauces for easy access.