Guatemalan Sweet Plantain Fritters
Discover the rich flavors of Guatemala with these Sweet Plantain Fritters, also known as Rellenitos de Plátano. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of ripe plantains and the savory depth of refried black beans. Whether you're in the mood for a unique dessert or a flavorful appetizer, these fritters are versatile enough to satisfy any craving. Enjoy them dusted with sugar for a sweet treat or serve with sour cream for a savory twist, just like we do back in Guatemala. Perfect for gatherings, they are sure to impress friends and family alike!
12
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plantains
6 (peeled and broken into chunks)
Refried Black Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (heated in a small saucepan)
White Sugar
1 tablespoon (for mixing into the beans)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for mixing into the beans)
Oil
1 quart (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, place the peeled plantains and cover them with water.
2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the plantains are tender.
3
Once cooked, drain the plantains and mash them in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
4
In a small saucepan, heat the refried black beans over low heat, then stir in the tablespoon of sugar and teaspoon of salt until well combined. Once blended, remove the saucepan from heat.
5
To assemble the rellenitos, take a handful of the mashed plantains and shape it into a disk about palm-sized.
6
Place approximately one teaspoon of the sweetened black bean mixture in the center of the disk, then carefully fold the plantains around the beans to form an oval or egg-shaped ball.
7
In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat the oil to 375 degrees F. You can test the oil's readiness by dropping in a small piece of batter to see if it sizzles.
8
Fry the rellenitos in the hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
9
Once cooked, remove the fritters and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10
Serve warm, either plain, sprinkled with sugar, or alongside a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Guatemalan Sweet Plantain Fritters?
Known locally as Rellenitos de Plátano, these are traditional Guatemalan treats made from mashed ripe plantains filled with sweetened refried black beans and fried until golden.
What is the traditional name for this recipe?
The traditional Guatemalan name for these sweet plantain fritters is Rellenitos de Plátano.
What are the primary ingredients needed for Rellenitos?
The recipe requires six plantains, a 16-ounce can of refried black beans, one tablespoon of white sugar, one teaspoon of salt, and oil for frying.
How should the plantains be prepared before cooking?
The plantains should be peeled and broken into chunks before being placed in a large pot to boil.
How long do I need to boil the plantains?
You should simmer the plantains for about 15 minutes or until they are tender enough to be easily mashed.
How do I create the plantain dough?
After boiling and draining the plantains, mash them in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps.
How is the bean filling for the fritters prepared?
Heat the refried black beans in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in one tablespoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt until well combined.
How do I assemble the individual fritters?
Take a handful of the mashed plantains, shape it into a palm-sized disk, place a teaspoon of the bean mixture in the center, and fold the plantains around the beans.
What shape should the Rellenitos be?
The fritters are traditionally formed into an oval or egg-shaped ball.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying plantain fritters?
The oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep fryer or a large skillet before frying.
How can I test if the oil is ready for frying?
You can test the oil's readiness by dropping in a small piece of the plantain batter; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
How long should the fritters be fried?
Fry the rellenitos for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color.
What should I do after removing the fritters from the oil?
Remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
How are Guatemalan plantain fritters typically served?
They are best served warm and can be eaten plain, sprinkled with sugar, or accompanied by a dollop of sour cream.
Is this dish served as a dessert or an appetizer?
It is versatile enough to be served as both a unique dessert or a flavorful appetizer.
Are these plantain fritters suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plantains, beans, sugar, salt, and oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving of Rellenitos?
Each serving of these plantain fritters contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of a single fritter?
One serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is found in each serving?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
Can I use canned refried black beans for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 16-ounce can of refried black beans.
Why is sugar added to the black beans?
Sugar is added to the beans to create a sweet and savory flavor profile that is traditional to Guatemalan cuisine.
What type of plantains should be used?
For the best flavor and texture, use ripe plantains which are sweeter and easier to mash after boiling.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe suggests using one quart of oil for frying the fritters.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
While it can be an appetizer, it is primarily categorized as a Dessert in this recipe guide.
Are there any common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Guatemalan cuisine, sweet plantains, dessert, appetizer, fritters, vegetarian, and traditional recipe.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 5 core ingredients: plantains, refried black beans, white sugar, salt, and oil.
Can I serve these for a party?
Yes, they are described as perfect for gatherings and are sure to impress friends and family.
What makes the flavor of these fritters unique?
The unique flavor comes from the combination of the natural sweetness of ripe plantains and the savory, seasoned depth of the black bean filling.