Pastelon (Plantain Lasagna)

Author: Imma

Prep Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 1 hr Total Time:1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 6 persons

Ingredients

3-4 large ripe plantains

1 medium onion , chopped

3 teaspoons (15 g) minced garlic

1 teaspoon (2 g) cumin spice

1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika

½ -1 teaspoon (1-2 g) cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon (1 g) dried oregano or thyme

¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground coriander

1 red/green bell pepper , chopped

2 tomatoes chopped or 1 cup tomato sauce

1 pound (453.59 g) ground beef/chicken

1 16- ounce black beans , drained and rinsed

3 tablespoons (45 g) water

½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt

1 packet sazon or 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon

½ teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup sliced olives

2 -3 green onion , chopped

2-3 tablespoons parsley chopped

2 cup (226 g) shredded cheese

2-3 large eggs

Instructions

Using a sharp knife cut both ends off the plantain. This will make it easy to grab the skin of the plantains. Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain; peel only as deep as the peel. Remove plantain peel by pulling it back. Slice the plantains horizontally into 4-5 pieces depending on plantains. You may either fry or bake the plantains. I prefer frying.

Frying Method

Heat up a large skillet or cast iron with oil up to ½ inch- medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

Fry the plantain in batches, turning once, until lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan (it will make the plantains to be soggy and absorb excess oil).

Use a slotted spoon, transfer the fried plantains and drain on paper towels.

Baking Method

Spray a baking sheet and place plantains on them in a single layer; spray lightly over the plantains using the canola oil spray and bake at 400 degrees F, turning over slices, after 8 minutes for about 12- 20 minutes or till plantains turn slightly brown.

Making the Filling

Next add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet followed by onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, coriander and sweat for about a minute.

Then add bell pepper, tomatoes or tomato sauce, bring to a simmer. Add ground meat, beans and cook for about 7-10 minutes, while stirring frequently to prevent burning burn. Add about 3 tablespoons of broth or water as needed. Season with salt, chicken bouillon or sazon and black pepper.

Finally add olives , green onions and parsley, adjust for seasoning. Remove and set aside

Assembling

Spray a deep 8x8 pan with cooking spray or rub with butter/oil.

Line the bottom of the baking pan with the fried plantain. Make sure there is no space between the plantains.

Add enough of the beef mixture to make a layer, just like you would prepare lasagna. Alternate rows of plantains and meat until both are used up. Add cheese in between, if desired.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and pour over the Pastelon. Making sure to cover the entire thing.

Add cheese if desired, or only use cheese

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, or until all the egg has cooked through and the cheese are bubbly.

Let it cool then serve warm