Pinon De Amarillos
Pinon De Amarillos features savory ground beef layered with sweet plantains, green beans, and cheese, topped with a fluffy meringue for a delightful, hearty dish suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 6 yellow plantains ⓘ
- 8 oz. green beans ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 red peppers ⓘ
- 3 leaves coriander ⓘ
- 1 leaf cilantro ⓘ
- 1 packet sazon with saffron ⓘ
- 4 oz. raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir-fry garlic in oil.
- Add peppers, onion, ground coriander, cilantro, tomato sauce, and sazon; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and season well; cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Fry plantains, then cut into pieces.
- Grease an 8 x 12 x 2-inch pan and place the plantain pieces in the bottom.
- Add the meat mixture over the plantains and spread evenly, pressing down slightly.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the meat layer, then add cooked green beans.
- Add another layer of plantains on top.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; then gently fold in sugar and yolks.
- Cover the dish with this meringue.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.
- Place under the broiler for 5 minutes to brown the meringue.
- Let cool slightly, then cut into portions and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. If you cannot find yellow plantains, ripe bananas can be a substitute, though they will alter the taste. For a healthier option, try using low-fat cheese or omit the cheese entirely. This dish can be paired with a fresh salad for a balanced meal or serve it alongside Katie'S Cheese Ball for an appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pinon De Amarillos warm, garnished with fresh coriander or cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Additionally, it makes a great centerpiece for gatherings, complemented by Helen'S Beef Jerky for a savory snack option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave on medium until warm, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinon De Amarillos contains roughly 638 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen plantains instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen plantains can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before frying. This helps to maintain the right texture in the final dish.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a dairy-free cheese option can work if you're looking for a lactose-free version.
Is it necessary to add raisins?
Raisins are optional in this recipe. They add a hint of sweetness, but if you prefer a savory flavor, feel free to omit them or substitute with chopped olives for a briny contrast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).