Piononos (Sweet Plantain and Meat Rolls)

Ingredients

• For the Sweet Plantains:
• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and cut into ½-inch slices 🍌
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Meat Filling:
• 0.5 lb ground beef or ground turkey 🍖
• 0.5 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.25 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• For Assembly:
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) 🧀
• 2 eggs, beaten 🥚
• 0.25 cup milk

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Fry the Sweet Plantains
2. 2Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. 3Fry plantain slices for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. 4Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly.
5. 52️⃣ Prepare the Meat Filling
6. 6In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
7. 7Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
8. 8Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
9. 9Stir in tomato sauce and chopped olives (if using), cooking for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat.
10. 103️⃣ Assemble the Piononos
11. 11Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. 12Line a muffin tin with parchment or grease lightly.
13. 13Wrap 2-3 fried plantain slices around the inside of each muffin cup to form a ring.
14. 14Fill the center with the seasoned meat mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
15. 15In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour a spoonful over each Pionono to help hold its shape.
16. 164️⃣ Bake & Serve
17. 17Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and set.
18. 18Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
19. 19Serve warm with a side of garlic mayo or hot sauce for dipping!