Puerto Rican Alcapurria-Inspired Beef Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 green plantain, peeled and grated
• 6 oz peeled yuca, grated
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 8 oz ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 onion, finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Neutral oil, for shallow frying
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps

1. Mix plantain, yuca, lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; cover and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, then add beef, oregano, cumin, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
3. Cook until beef is browned and reaches 160°F. Stir in cilantro, then spread filling on a plate to cool slightly.
4. Press a heaped tablespoon of plantain mixture into your palm, add a tablespoon of beef, and enclose it with more plantain mixture. Repeat to make 6 fritters.
5. Shallow-fry the fritters over medium heat until deeply golden on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Drain briefly and serve hot.

Allergen note: Contains no major allergens as written. Use care when frying with hot oil.

Use the listed quantities as a guide, adjust seasoning to taste, and cook proteins to a safe internal temperature.