Piononos (Sweet Plantain Meat Rolls)

Ingredients

• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise (each into 3 slices)
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp adobo seasoning
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the meat filling: In a pan over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft. Stir in tomato sauce, adobo, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. 2Cook the plantains: Heat oil in a frying pan. Fry the plantain slices until golden and soft (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. 3Form the piononos: Take 2 slices of plantain and form a circle by overlapping ends slightly. Secure with toothpicks or use a cupcake mold to hold shape.
4. 4Stuff the rolls: Fill each plantain ring with a spoonful of beef mixture. Top with cheese.
5. 5Seal with egg: Pour beaten egg over the top of each pionono to seal.
6. 6Bake or fry:
7. 7To fry*: Carefully pan-fry until golden on all sides.
8. 8To bake*: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
9. 9Serve warm and enjoy every sweet and savory bite!