Soup with Plantain Balls

Plantain Ball Soup Recipe from Panama | Ground Beef, Peanuts & More

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Soup with Plantain Balls recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of plantains, beef, peanuts, and potatoes in a flavorful broth. The plantain balls add a unique twist to this traditional soup, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in African cuisine, where plantains are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of plantains with beef, peanuts, and potatoes creates a rich and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of ground cooked beef
0.25 cup of ground peanuts
4 small boiled potatoes
4 cups of beef broth
2 plantains (1 grated)
1 tsp of minced onion
0.5 tbsp of parsley
1 large chopped cabbage leaf
2 tbsp of oil
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Boil one plantain in the beef broth for 15 minutes.
Set aside the broth.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil and brown the onion, peanuts, and beef in it.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the grated plantain with the cooked one and the other tablespoon of oil, and mix well.
Shape the mixture into small balls and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture inside each ball.
Cut the potatoes into pieces and add them, along with the cabbage, to the broth.
About 2 minutes before serving, add the balls to the broth.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Variations

Add some chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add some hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the onion, peanuts, and beef well to develop a deep flavor in the soup.

- Be careful when shaping the plantain balls, as they can be delicate. Use a light touch to prevent them from falling apart.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Browning

- Mixing

- Shaping

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of beef.

- Almond or cashew butter can be used instead of peanuts.

Make Ahead Tips

The plantain balls can be shaped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and beef, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Soup with Plantain Balls is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Soup with Plantain Balls is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of plantains, beef, peanuts, and potatoes creates a hearty and delicious soup that is sure to become a new favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered the recipe for Soup with Plantain Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished a long day of work in the kitchen. As I sat down to rest, my dear friend Maria came over with a basket full of fresh plantains.

Maria had always been a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes with whatever ingredients she had on hand. She told me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. It had been passed down through the generations, and now Maria was sharing it with me.

I watched as Maria peeled the plantains and mashed them into a smooth dough. She added some flour, salt, and a few other secret ingredients that she whispered to me with a mischievous smile. Then, she rolled the dough into small balls and dropped them into a pot of simmering broth.

As the plantain balls cooked, the aroma of the soup filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste it. When Maria ladled out a steaming bowl for me, I took a spoonful and savored the flavors. The sweetness of the plantains mixed perfectly with the savory broth, creating a delicious harmony of tastes.

I immediately knew that this recipe was something special, and I asked Maria to teach me how to make it. She agreed, and over the next few hours, she showed me every step of the process. I took notes, asked questions, and made sure to pay attention to every detail.

After we had finished cooking, Maria and I sat down to enjoy the soup together. We talked and laughed, sharing stories and memories as we ate. It was a moment I would never forget, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

From that day on, I made Soup with Plantain Balls regularly, serving it to my family and friends with pride. They all loved it, praising the unique combination of flavors and textures. Some even asked for the recipe, and I happily shared it with them, passing on the tradition that Maria had shared with me.

As the years passed, I continued to make Soup with Plantain Balls, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches. I experimented with different seasonings, toppings, and variations, always striving to make each batch better than the last.

Today, whenever I make Soup with Plantain Balls, I think of Maria and the day she introduced me to this wonderful dish. I am grateful for her generosity and her friendship, and I am proud to carry on the tradition that she passed down to me.

In the end, it is not just a recipe for soup that Maria shared with me, but a connection to the past and a link to the generations that came before us. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I sit here now, enjoying a bowl of Soup with Plantain Balls on a warm summer day, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. I am grateful for Maria, for her friendship, and for the gift of this delicious recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.