Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Black Bean Plantain Arepa Sandwiches! This Venezuelan delight combines the sweetness of ripe plantains with the heartiness of black beans, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend brunch, these sandwiches are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your family and friends with this vibrant and satisfying meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Avocado slices for topping
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the plantains. Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices. This will help them cook evenly.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Add the sliced plantains and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft and tender. You can test this by piercing them with a fork.
- Once cooked, drain the plantains and let them cool slightly. Then, mash them in a bowl until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Set aside.
- In another pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water. Gradually stir in the cornmeal, mixing continuously to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the cornmeal mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed plantains with the cooked cornmeal mixture. Mix well until fully combined. If desired, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture for added flavor.
- Once the mixture is well combined, divide it into equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with oil or cooking spray. Place the arepa patties on the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the arepas are cooking, prepare the black beans. In a small saucepan, combine the drained and rinsed black beans with a pinch of salt and heat them over medium heat until warmed through.
- Once the arepas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Then, carefully slice each arepa in half horizontally to create a pocket for the filling.
- Fill each arepa with a generous spoonful of the warmed black beans. Top with avocado slices and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve the black bean plantain arepa sandwiches warm and enjoy this delicious Venezuelan dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Plantains: Make sure to use ripe plantains that are yellow with some black spots for optimal sweetness and flavor. Overripe plantains will yield a creamier texture.
- Mash Smoothly: When mashing the plantains, ensure there are no lumps for a smoother arepa mixture. A potato masher works best for this task.
- Watch the Cornmeal: Stir the cornmeal continuously when adding it to boiling water to prevent lumps from forming. This will ensure a creamy and cohesive dough.
- Perfect Patty Thickness: Shape the arepa patties to about 1/2-inch thick for the best balance of crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Get Them Golden: Cook the arepas until they are golden brown on both sides. This will give them a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Add your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or even grilled veggies for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste, serve the arepa sandwiches warm right after assembling them. The combination of warm beans, creamy avocado, and crispy arepas is simply irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
