Yaroa - Dominican Baked Plantain Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (15g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into thin slices lengthwise.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of plantain slices on the bottom.
8. 8.
   Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the plantains.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. 10.
    Repeat the layers with the remaining plantains, ground beef, and cheese.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes 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.
• 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.
• Tomato sauce — Use a good quality tomato sauce or make your own by blending fresh tomatoes with a pinch of salt and sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve Yaroa with a side of fresh salad or pickled onions for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, to customize the flavor of your Yaroa.

Serving advice

Yaroa is best served hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of salad or pickled onions for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To make your Yaroa visually appealing, arrange the plantain slices neatly in the baking dish and ensure an even distribution of ground beef and cheese layers. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an irresistible golden crust. Serve it in individual baking dishes for an elegant touch.