Delight your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Guatemala Rellenitos de Plátano, a beloved traditional dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the rich savoriness of refried black beans. These golden, crispy plantain fritters are filled with a perfectly spiced bean mixture enhanced with cinnamon and sugar, creating a unique sweet-and-savory treat. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these rellenitos are pan-fried to perfection, yielding a tender interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Perfect as a dessert or an indulgent snack, this gluten-free, vegetarian recipe is not only easy to make in under 40 minutes but also serves as a delicious introduction to Guatemalan cuisine. Serve them warm, and enjoy the comforting balance of textures and flavors with every bite!
Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks about 2 inches long.
Place the plantain chunks in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat and cook the plantains until they are very soft, about 10-12 minutes.
Drain the cooked plantains and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, mash the plantains with a fork or potato masher until they form a smooth, sticky dough.
In a small bowl, mix the refried black beans with the ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until well combined.
Take a small handful of the mashed plantain mixture and flatten it into a disc about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a teaspoon of the black bean mixture in the center of the disc.
Carefully fold the edges of the plantain disc over the filling to encase it completely, shaping it into a ball or oval. Make sure the filling is fully sealed inside. Repeat with the remaining plantain and bean mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the rellenitos in the skillet, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Work in batches if needed and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked rellenitos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Optional: Sprinkle the rellenitos with powdered sugar for garnish before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful Guatemalan treat!
Calories |
409 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 141 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.2 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 20 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 848 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.