Tostones Rellenos

Ingredients

• 4 green plantains, peeled
• Oil for frying
• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese to top, optional

Before you cook

• Peel the plantains and cut each into 3 pieces about 5cm long.
• Chop the onion and tomato and mince the garlic for the filling.

Steps

1. Heat 3cm of oil in a deep pan to 180°C.
2. Fry the plantain pieces for 4 minutes until pale gold.
3. Remove the plantains and let them cool for 2 minutes.
4. Press each piece into a cup shape using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass.
5. Fry the shaped cups again for 3 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
6. Drain the cups on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.
7. Heat a separate pan over medium heat for the filling.
8. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps.
9. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
10. Stir in the tomato, tomato paste, cumin and oregano.
11. Simmer for 10 minutes until the filling thickens.
12. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
13. Spoon the hot filling into each plantain cup.
14. Top with shredded cheese if using and serve immediately.