Ingredients

3 cups canola oil for frying
2 green plantains , peeled and sliced crosswise into fourths
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 pound lean ground beef
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sofrito
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 package sazon seasoning
5 pitted green olives , chopped
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Tostones Rellenos, originating from the Caribbean, are an appetizer made with plantain cups stuffed with filling of your liking that could vary from beef, chicken, pork, or any other vegetarian mixtures. The recipe is perfect for those who love Latin-American cuisine and are looking to try something different from traditional tacos or pizza. The beauty of Tostones Rellenos is the variety of fillings and toppings you can mix and match to make them more mouth-watering. In this recipe, we use a ground beef mixture that is packed with flavor and tastes divine when combined with the crispy plantain cups. Tostones Rellenos are also an easy and quick recipe that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend potlucks with friends and family.

Instructions

1.In a preheated skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add plantain slices to the skillet in batches and fry for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
2.Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Use a tostone press or the bottom of a glass cup to flatten each slice.
3.Season the flattened slices with garlic salt and set aside.
4.In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until brown, adding salt to it.
5.Add sofrito, tomato sauce, water, sazon seasoning, and chopped olives to the skillet, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
6.Finally, add cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted.
7.Remove the skillet from heat and preheat the oven to 350°F.
8.Grease a muffin tin and place each tostone into a muffin cup, pressing down on the bottom and sides to form a cup shape.
9.Fill the tostone cups with the ground beef mixture.
10.Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges of the cups are golden brown.
11.Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before removing the cups from the muffin tin.

PROS

Tostones Rellenos make for a great party appetizer, snack or even as a dinner entree.

They are easy to make, full of flavor, and the tostones provide a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional taco shells.

They are also gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in fiber.

CONS

The dish is deep-fried which increases the calorie and fat intake.

It is important to maintain portion control while enjoying Tostones Rellenos.
Also, ensuring the plantains are properly ripened before frying is crucial as unripe plantains could be tough and starchy.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Plantains have dietary fiber that lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
They are also a source of vitamin C which boosts immunity and vitamin A which maintains good eyesight.
Lean beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential nutrients and promotes muscle growth and repair.

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