Nigerian Ground Beef and Green Plantain Pastelón

Ingredients

• 4.5 Green plantains (peeled and sliced lengthwise; the recipe indicates 4–5)
• Oil for frying the plantains (quantity not specified)
• 1.5 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 White onion (½ large onion, chopped)
• 1 White bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 Green bell pepper (chopped)
• 4.5 tbsp Oil for the filling (the recipe indicates 4–5 tbsp)
• Garlic (minced; quantity not specified)
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1 tsp Curry powder
• 1 tbsp Chili flakes
• 2 Maggi cubes
• 1.5 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tsp White pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• Salt (to taste; add if needed)
• 2.5 Egg (beaten; the recipe indicates 2–3)
• Mozzarella cheese (grated; quantity not specified)
• Cheddar cheese (grated; quantity not specified)
• Fresh parsley (chopped; quantity not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Peel the green plantains and slice them lengthwise.

2. 2

   Fry the plantain slices in oil until golden and slightly softened. Remove them from the oil and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat 4–5 tbsp of oil in a skillet. Add the chopped white onion and sauté until softened.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and fry briefly.

5. 5

   Add the thyme and curry powder to season the mixture.

6. 6

   Add the chopped white and green bell peppers. Fry until they break down and become very soft.

7. 7

   Add the ground beef and cook it through.

8. 8

   Add the chili flakes, Maggi cubes, paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix well.

9. 9

   Stir in the ketchup and fry the mixture to combine.

10. 10

    Taste the filling and add salt to taste if needed.

11. 11

    In a baking dish, arrange a layer of fried plantains. Brush beaten egg over the plantains.

12. 12

    Add a layer of the meat filling and mixed grated cheese.

13. 13

    Repeat the layers with fried plantains, beaten egg, and meat filling. Add beaten egg again and finish with a generous layer of the mixed cheeses.

14. 14

    Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top.

15. 15

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.

16. 16

    Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

The quantities of garlic, mozzarella, cheddar, parsley, and oil for frying are not specified. The recipe does not indicate the size of the baking dish or precise quantities for the layers.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• baked
• beef
• green plantain
• Nigerian cuisine
• comfort food