Get ready to transform your kitchen into a vibrant Latin American culinary paradise with this mouthwatering recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned black beans infused with rich sofrito, paired with caramelized sweet plantains that melt in your mouth - this dish is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Caribbean cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to be your new obsession that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 2 ripe sweet plantains
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the sweet plantains.
- Prepare the plantains by peeling and cutting them diagonally into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the plantain slices on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the sofrito and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- While the beans are simmering, place the prepared plantain slices in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- Once the beans are heated through and the plantains are baked, remove both from heat.
- Serve the sofrito black beans in bowls, topped with the baked sweet plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe plantains with black or deep brown spots for maximum sweetness and caramelization.
- Use a good quality sofrito - homemade is best, but store-bought works well too.
- Don't rush the sautéing process for onions and peppers; letting them develop color builds deeper flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs when serving.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking plantains to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- For a protein boost, you can add chorizo or shredded chicken to the beans.
- Leftovers can be stored separately and reheated, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
