Rellenitos

Rellenitos Recipe from Guatemala: A Delicious Dessert Made with Plantains, Black Beans, and Spices

Region / culture: Guatemala | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rellenitos are a traditional Guatemalan dessert made with ripe plantains and a sweet black bean filling. This unique combination of flavors creates a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Rellenitos have been a popular dessert in Guatemala for many years. The recipe is believed to have originated in the colonial era when African slaves combined local ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Dough

4 ripe plantains (not overly ripe)
2 cups water
0.25 cup sugar
0.5 cinnamon stick

Sauce

2 cups cooked plain black beans (approximately 1 cup beans and 1 cup liquid)
0.5 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp vanilla extract
0.5 tsp ground allspice
0.25 tsp salt

How to prepare

Dough

Wash the plantains, cut them into 3 pieces, and cook them with the rest of the ingredients for 25 minutes.
Once cooked, mash them with a potato masher to make the dough.

Sauce

Puree the black beans and add them to a saucepan. Heat for a minute and then add the remaining ingredients. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes or until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency.
Shape the plantain dough into balls, similar to croquettes. You can use a little wheat flour on your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking too much.
Create a hole in the croquette with your finger and fill it with the black bean sauce. Seal it tightly and fry them.
Serve warm.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can bake the rellenitos instead of frying them.
You can also add chopped nuts or raisins to the black bean filling for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe plantains for the dough, as they will be easier to mash and have a sweeter flavor.

- Be careful when frying the rellenitos, as the hot oil can splatter. Use a splatter guard if necessary.

- To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, lightly dust them with flour before shaping the rellenitos.

Serving Suggestions

Rellenitos can be served as a dessert or snack. They are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect rellenitos is to cook the plantains until they are soft and easy to mash. Be sure to seal the black bean filling tightly inside the dough to prevent it from leaking out during frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ripe plantains, you can use bananas as a substitute. You can also use canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and black bean filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry the rellenitos.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the rellenitos on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Rellenitos pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. They are also delicious when served with a side of fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Rellenitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rellenitos contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rellenitos contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rellenitos contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rellenitos contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rellenitos are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Alergens

Rellenitos contain wheat and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Rellenitos are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in fat and calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rellenitos are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe plantains with a flavorful black bean filling. This traditional Guatemalan dish is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small village in Guatemala. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most delightful aroma. Maria was busy at the stove, making a traditional Guatemalan dish called Rellenitos.

I watched in awe as Maria deftly mashed ripe plantains, mixed them with a bit of sugar, and formed them into little patties. She then stuffed them with a sweet and savory filling made of refried black beans and cinnamon. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for the Rellenitos to fry to a golden brown perfection.

Once they were done, Maria served them to me with a dollop of fresh cream on top. The first bite was pure bliss - the creamy plantains melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by the rich, earthy flavors of the beans. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, along with stories of how she learned to make Rellenitos from her own grandmother. She told me that this dish has been a staple in her family for generations, passed down from mother to daughter. The thought of carrying on this culinary tradition filled me with a sense of pride and joy.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying my hand at making Rellenitos. I gathered all the ingredients - ripe plantains, black beans, sugar, cinnamon, and cream - and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mashed the plantains and mixed in the sugar, I was filled with a sense of nostalgia for the time I spent with Maria in her cozy kitchen.

The smell of frying plantains filled my home, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought about how much I had learned from my friend. Finally, the moment of truth arrived - I took a bite of my homemade Rellenitos, and it was just as delicious as I remembered.

Since that day, Rellenitos has become a regular feature on my family's dinner table. My grandchildren love the sweet and savory flavors of this dish, and I take great pleasure in sharing the story of how I learned to make it with them. I hope that one day, they will carry on this tradition and pass it down to their own children.

In a world that is constantly changing, there is something comforting about the continuity of family recipes. They serve as a link to the past, connecting us to our roots and reminding us of the love and care that went into creating them. I am grateful to Maria for sharing her recipe with me, and I will always cherish the memories of the day I learned to make Rellenitos.