Tropical Treats: Crafting the Perfect Dominican Pastelón Recipe

Tropical Treats: Crafting the Perfect Dominican Pastelón Recipe

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Dominican Republic with this delectable recipe for Pastelón. This dish is a true tropical delight, blending sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony. Follow these steps to create your own taste of the Caribbean!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ripe plantains
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 2 tablespoons of oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips.
3. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate greased baking dish, arrange a layer of plantain slices followed by a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of plantains on top.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top layer.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let the Pastelón cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for natural sweetness.
• You can add olives, raisins, or capers to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Duration:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

Tags:

Dominican cuisine, Plantains, Ground beef, Casserole, Tropical flavors

Keywords: Dominican food, Caribbean cuisine, Sweet and savory dish, Plantain recipe, Tropical flavors, Casserole recipe, Latin American cooking, Ground beef dish, Cheese topping, Flavorful meal, Cooking from scratch, Culinary adventure, Cultural cuisine