Island Eats: Mastering the Art of Making Dominican Pastelón

Island Eats: Mastering the Art of Making Dominican Pastelón

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Caribbean with this traditional Dominican dish, Pastelón. This sweet and savory casserole combines layers of flavorful ingredients to create a delightful culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Dominican Republic.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 ripe plantains, sliced lengthwise
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Grease a baking dish and arrange a layer of sliced plantains on the bottom.
5. Top the plantains with half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cheese.
7. Combine the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then pour over the top of the casserole. Add sliced olives on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Choose ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor.
• You can add raisins or capers for a unique twist.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Duration:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

Tags:

Dominican, Caribbean, Casserole, Beef, Plantains, Cheese

Keywords: Dominican cuisine, Pastelón recipe, Caribbean flavors, Plantain casserole, Traditional Dominican dish, Savory and sweet casserole, Mozzarella cheese, Culinary journey, Flavorful dinner option, Island-inspired recipe

Enjoy mastering the art of making Dominican Pastelón and savor the tropical flavors of this beloved dish!