Carla Reyes’ 

Pastelón de Plátanos Maduros Fritos

Submitted by family friend: Carla Reyes

Recipe Submitted by Carla Reyes Images Courtesy of Google Images

Feeds 6 hefty Reyes family members, 8 in most families:

            ·        8-10 extremely ripe Platanos Maduros (Sweet Plantains) (see #3)

·        2lbs  lean ground beef

·        1lb ground pork

·        1 small can Heinz Tomato paste

·        1 Can of stewed tomatoes (optional)

·        Adobo (or your choice of all-purpose seasoning) to taste

·        ¼ Cup of homemade Sofrito Latino style marinade

·        ¼ Cup of chopped onions

·        ¼ Cup of chopped peppers (any)

·        1 Packet of Sazon Goya (optional)

·        ¼ Cup Pitted Olives

·        1Tbsp Vinegar

·        2 (8 oz) Package of shredded mozzarella cheese

·        Peanut oil (or Canola)

According To Carla:

• Peel and cut plantains in halves, then slice long ways (about 3 slices each half)
• Fry in oil on medium heat until golden brown
• Remove from pan and place on wax or parchment paper to drain
• Set aside
• Heat 1tbsp of oil in a skillet and add peppers, onions and cook until tender
• Add meat and brown
• Add Sofrito and tomatoes
• Stir occasionally   
• Add paste, vinegar, olives, adobo to taste and Sazon packet (optional).
• Simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens
• Set aside
• In a 9X13 Glass or aluminum baking dish, layer meat sauce, platanos then cheese (saving some for the top layer) until all of ingredient are done
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 min until cheese is melted
• Serve with white rice and salad

Darlene The Gourmet Diva Says:

The right ripeness of your plantain will make all the difference! Try to get the closest to  the 3rd plantain!