PUERTO RICAN ALCAPURRIAS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a medium-sized skillet, add the sofrito, salt, bell pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the ground beef and stir to evenly break-up the meat. Let cook until the beef is no longer pink and remove from heat. Set aside and let cool.
• Next peel the plantains and the yautía. Use a food processor to grate these ingredients, then mix until a smooth dough forms. Last, add in the seasoning and salt to the dough.
• Over a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper paper, add a toque of oil to grease the surface. Then place a large spoonful of dough onto the foil or paper. Make a well, or small hole in the center and fill with a little stewed meat. Carefully mold the dough to close the hole–if necessary, you can use more dough for covering.
• To cook the finished alcapurrias, pre-heat the oil for frying. Carefully place the molded alcapurrias into the oil and fry for seven minutes on each side, or until golden brown. When ready, set over a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Steps:

• Peel the plantains, cut them into 1 1/2-inch slices, soak them in salty water for 15 minutes, drain them and dry them before putting them on the hot skillet with oil.
• Fry them for about 12 minutes at medium-low heat or until they turn light brown. Make sure to turn them. Do not brown them too much, so they are easy to mash. Stick a fork in them to check if they are done.
• Remove them and mash them on a mortar. Add some mashed garlic and pieces of chicharrón.
• Once you have mashed all the plantains, mold them into the shape of half sphere using your hands or a container. Serve hot with chicken broth or your favorite meat.