Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends? Look no further than these delightful Plantain Black Bean Bites! Bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, this Latin American-inspired dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these crispy, golden morsels that are perfect for any occasion—whether as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your cooking game; let's dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Rinse and drain the black beans, and measure out the corn and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut plantains, black beans, corn, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash the plantains slightly while mixing, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated but still have some texture.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to achieve a nice crispy texture on the bites.
- Once the oil is hot, take small portions of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and carefully drop them into the skillet. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spatula to form small patties.
- Cook the plantain black bean bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Once cooked, transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the plantain black bean bites warm, garnished with extra chopped cilantro if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as salsa or avocado crema.
Tips
- Choose the Right Plantains: Make sure to use ripe plantains that are yellow with some black spots. They should be soft to the touch, as this will give your bites the perfect sweetness and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, give each bite enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, preventing that delicious crispy exterior.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices to your liking! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mix.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: These bites are versatile and pair beautifully with various dipping sauces. Try them with homemade salsa, guacamole, or even a zesty yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and freeze it. Just shape the bites and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Fry them straight from the freezer for a quick snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
