Piononos de Amarillo
Piononos de Amarillo Recipe from Puerto Rico with Plantains, Ground Meat, and String Beans
Introduction
Piononos de Amarillo is a delicious and traditional dish from Puerto Rico. These savory plantain rolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices, making them a perfect appetizer or main course.
History
Piononos de Amarillo has its roots in Puerto Rican cuisine, where plantains are a staple ingredient. The dish is believed to have been inspired by Spanish cuisine, specifically the Spanish dish known as "pionono," which is a sweet cake roll. Puerto Ricans adapted the concept and created a savory version using plantains as the outer shell.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Peel the plantains and discard the outer rind.
- Slice the plantains lengthwise to obtain four slices from an average ripe plantain.
- Pour the frying oil into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
- Fry the plantains, a few at a time, until they turn a light golden tan color.
- Remove the plantains and allow them to cool enough to handle comfortably or wear cooking gloves.
- Bend each plantain piece to form a round shape and use one or two round toothpicks to hold the ends of the round, hollow plantains.
- Add enough filling (see below for the recipe) to fill up the hollow inside each plantain.
- Baste the ends of the filling with beaten eggs. Fry over medium heat, using just enough oil to cover the bottom of your frying pan. Fry for two to three minutes or until the egg basting at the bottom of the pan looks cooked (similar to an omelet).
- Carefully lift each pionono, turn it over, and fry on the other side.
Filling
- Sauté the first seven filling ingredients (up to but not including the meat) for about five minutes over medium-high heat.
- Stir the ground meat into the ingredients already in the saucepan.
- Cook for about ten minutes, covered, over medium heat.
- Add the string beans and raisins.
- Continue to cook for another five minutes or until the meat is cooked but not dry.
- You may want to remove the bay leaf at this time.
- Use the filling as directed above.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with tofu or lentils.
- You can also add different vegetables to the filling, such as carrots, corn, or peas.
- For a spicier version, add some hot sauce or chili peppers to the filling.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe but not overripe plantains for the outer shell to ensure they hold their shape when fried.
- Be careful when frying the plantains, as they can easily burn if the oil is too hot.
- Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the plantain rolls to prevent them from unraveling during frying.
- Be sure to cook the ground meat filling thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Piononos de Amarillo can be served as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by a side salad or rice and beans.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking techniques for Piononos de Amarillo include frying the plantains until golden brown, sautéing the filling ingredients, and assembling and frying the plantain rolls.
Ingredient Substitutions
If plantains are not available, you can use ripe bananas as a substitute for the outer shell. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the filling.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling for Piononos de Amarillo in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The plantains can also be fried ahead of time and assembled just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Piononos de Amarillo on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of salsa. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Piononos de Amarillo pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a fruity sangria or a tropical fruit juice.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Piononos de Amarillo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Piononos de Amarillo contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Piononos de Amarillo contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Piononos de Amarillo contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Piononos de Amarillo contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Piononos de Amarillo is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
Alergens
Piononos de Amarillo contains eggs and may contain traces of nuts and soy.
Summary
Piononos de Amarillo is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Piononos de Amarillo is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of ripe plantains with a savory meat filling. With a perfect balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was given to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned how to make Piononos de Amarillo from her grandmother in Spain. As soon as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try it out for myself.
Maria's grandmother had always been known for her delicious traditional Spanish dishes, and I was honored to have the opportunity to learn one of her coveted recipes. Piononos de Amarillo were a specialty in her family, and I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen.
The recipe called for ripe plantains, which are a staple in Spanish cuisine. The plantains are sliced thinly and fried until they are golden and caramelized. This creates a sweet and savory base for the dish.
Next, the plantains are layered with a mixture of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This savory filling adds depth and richness to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the plantains.
Once the layers are assembled, the dish is rolled up tightly and baked until the flavors meld together. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.
I followed the recipe carefully, taking my time to ensure that each step was executed perfectly. I could almost hear Maria's grandmother guiding me through the process, her voice filled with warmth and love.
As the Piononos de Amarillo baked in the oven, the aroma of the dish filled my kitchen, transporting me to a small village in Spain where Maria's family had lived for generations. I felt a sense of connection to my friend and her heritage, as well as a deep appreciation for the culinary traditions that had been passed down through the generations.
When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. The flavors were rich and complex, with the sweetness of the plantains complementing the savory filling perfectly. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that I would make again and again for my family and friends.
As I sat down to enjoy the Piononos de Amarillo, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from Maria and her grandmother. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the traditions that make us who we are.
I savored every bite of the dish, knowing that each mouthful was a tribute to the generations of cooks who had come before me. And as I finished my meal, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new recipes, learning new techniques, and sharing the joy of cooking with those around me.
For me, cooking is not just a way to nourish my body – it is a way to nourish my soul, to connect with my heritage, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn the recipe for Piononos de Amarillo, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Egg Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Plantain Recipes | Puerto Rican Meat Dishes | Puerto Rican Recipes | Raisin Recipes |