Chef JJ’s recipe from Puerto Rico – Pastelon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2. Peel the plantains and cut in half. Cut each half into 3 or 4 slices each. Lay them on a prepared sheet tray fit with a rack. Season with avocado oil and kosher salt. 3. Place the plantain slices in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. 4. In the meantime preheat a large saute pan or cast iron skillet over medium high heat with avocado oil. Add the ground beef and use a whisk to help break up the meat (this is a good trick). Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, annatto seed, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper as needed. Mix to combine and cook for about 3 minutes. 5. Move the meat to one side of the pan as it continues to cook and add in the onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion and pepper starts to soften. You can mix the vegetables into the meat at this point and continue cooking. 6. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the cilantro and stir to combine. Cook down the meat mixture over medium heat for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. In a prepared small to medium casserole dish begin to layer the plantains in one even layer. Spoon on some of the meat mixture and top with the mozzarella cheese. Continue with another layer of plantains, meat filling, and cheese. The last layer should be plantains. 8. Beat the egg in a small bowl and pour on top of the layered plantains. 9. Bake the pastelon for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.