Pastelón De Amarillos: A Sweet Plantain Delight

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Pastelón de amarillos is a traditional dish in Latin American cuisine, particularly popular in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It's a layered casserole, similar to lasagna, but instead of pasta, sweet plantains ('amarillos') take center stage. This dish offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that make it a comforting and satisfying meal.

What is Pastelón de Amarillos?

Pastelón de amarillos is essentially a sweet plantain casserole. The ripe plantains are usually fried or baked until golden brown and slightly caramelized. These sweet plantains are then layered with a savory filling, most commonly seasoned ground meat (beef or pork), cheese, and sometimes vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The layers are stacked in a baking dish and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Key Ingredients:

  • Sweet Plantains (Amarillos): These are the star of the dish. Ripe plantains provide the sweetness and unique texture.
  • Ground Meat: Typically ground beef or pork, seasoned with sofrito, garlic, oregano, and other spices.
  • Cheese: Often mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Latin cheeses for a creamy and savory element.
  • Sofrito: A flavorful base made from a blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs, essential for the savory filling.

How to Make Pastelón de Amarillos:

Here’s a simplified overview of how to make pastelón de amarillos:

  1. Prepare the Plantains: Peel and slice the ripe plantains. Fry or bake them until golden brown.
  2. Cook the Meat: Sauté the ground meat with sofrito and seasonings until cooked through.
  3. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer plantains, meat filling, and cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
  4. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Variations and Tips:

  • Vegetarian Pastelón: Replace the ground meat with lentils, beans, or a mixture of vegetables.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or olives into the meat filling for added flavor and texture.
  • Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
  • Make Ahead: Pastelón can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Serving and Enjoying Pastelón

Pastelón de amarillos is often served as a main course, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It pairs well with a side salad or rice and beans. The combination of sweet plantains, savory meat, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to please.

Enjoy this traditional Latin American comfort food!