Alcapurrias(Stuffed Green Bananas) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 whole black peppercorns
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. vinegar
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 c. tomato sauce
3 lb. green bananas
1 large green plantain
1/2 c. achiote
vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

In a mortar, crush peppercorns, garlic, salt and oregano. Blend in olive oil and vinegar.
Add seasoning to the beef and mix. Brown seasoned beef in a skillet over high heat (no extra oil is necessary).
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in tomato sauce and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove meat to a bowl and set aside.
Peel bananas and plantain, cut in half.
Grate the bananas and plantain, using the grating dish of a food processor or a hand held shredder.
Mix in a bowl with the achiote; then mash with a fork or potato masher.
Spread some of the banana-plantain mix in the palm of your hand (keep palms wet while doing this).
With your fingers, make a small nest in the center of the mix in your palm and stuff with about a spoonful of the beef filling.
Cover the filling with more mix and shape into a cylinder of croquette.
Repeat until filling and bananas are used up. Deep-fry in very hot oil (375\u00b0) until golden brown (about 4 minutes each).
Remove and drain on absorbent paper towels.