Stuffed plantains are one of my favorite recipes from when I was growing up. I haven’t made it in quite a while but maybe I will soon! My mother and grandmother used to make this quite often for us. It is a little involved but tastes so good it’s worth the trouble! They are filled with a delicious meat filling but you can also substitute shredded cheddar cheese for the meat filling.

INGREDIENTS:

6 whole ripe plantains, unpeeled and halved

2 quarts water

1½ tablespoons salt

4 tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Basic Meat Filling (recipe to follow in separate post)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring the water and 1½ tablespoons salt to a boil. Add plantains, cover and boil rapidly for 20 minutes. Drain, peel and mash together with the butter, ½ teaspoon salt and cornstarch. Allow to cool slightly.

2. Coat hands with cornstarch. Spread some of the plantain mixture on a flat surface (cutting board) and make a nest in the center. Stuff center with filling. Cover with plantain mixture and form into balls or mounds. Repeat to make 16 stuffings.

3. Fry in large pan until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with rice.

Serves 8