Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with this unique dish of Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains. This recipe fills tender, baked plantains with a flavorful turkey picadillo, topped off with melted cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro. It's a perfect fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
The recipe calls for alcaparrado, a mix of olives and capers commonly used in Latin cuisines. This ingredient brings a touch of tanginess that balances the sweet plantains and savory turkey. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can substitute it with a combination of green olives and capers. Another unique ingredient is sweet plantains. They are a type of banana that has a sweeter taste and can usually be found in the produce section.
Ingredients Required for Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains
Plantains: These are a type of banana that are sweeter and starchier. They're the base of this dish, providing a sweet contrast to the savory filling.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese is used for its great melting qualities, providing a gooey topping that brings the dish together.
Turkey: Lean and flavorful, it's the main protein in the picadillo filling.
Onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the picadillo.
Garlic: Gives the picadillo a punch of flavor.
Tomato: Adds freshness and a bit of tanginess to the picadillo.
Bell pepper: It gives the picadillo a slightly sweet, mild flavor and a crunchy texture.
Cilantro: Used for garnishing the dish, it adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
Tomato sauce: It helps to bind the ingredients of the picadillo together, while also providing extra flavor.
Alcaparrado: A mix of olives and capers, it brings a bit of tanginess to the picadillo.
One reader, Anne-Corinne Mendez says:
This turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory turkey picadillo and sweet plantains is simply divine. The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so satisfying. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious meal.
Techniques Required
Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 400 degrees F.
Bake the plantains: Cut a slit lengthwise through the length of the plantain about halfway through. Place them on a baking dish and bake covered with foil for about 40 minutes until soft.
Brown the ground turkey: Cook the ground turkey on medium heat in a large sauté pan and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces.
Prepare the picadillo: Add the chopped onions, garlic, pepper, tomato, and cilantro to the browned turkey and continue cooking on low heat.
Add the alcaparrado and brine: Incorporate the alcaparrado (or olives and capers) and about 2 tbsp of the brine for great flavor.
Season the picadillo: Add cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and more salt if needed to the picadillo.
Simmer the picadillo: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the picadillo covered for about 15 minutes.
Fill the plantains: Remove the plantains from the oven and fill them with ⅓ cup each of picadillo.
Top with cheese: Top each filled plantain with 2 tablespoons of cheese.
Bake the stuffed plantains: Return the stuffed plantains to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro and serve immediately.
How To Make Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains
Give in and take a flavorful bite of these sweet baked plantains stuffed with rich and savory turkey picadillo, all topped with cheese!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6medium plantains,ripe, peeled
- 12tbspmozzarella cheese,shredded, part skim
- cilantro,fresh, to garnish
For the Turkey Picadillo:
- 10ozturkey,93%, lean ground
- ¼cuponion,finely chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- ½medium tomato,chopped
- ¼cupbell pepper,finely chopped
- 2tbspcilantro
- 2oztomato sauce
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- ¾tspcumin,ground
- ⅛tsporegano
- 1bay leaf
- 1tbspalcaparrado,or capers, or green olives
- 2tbspbrine
- ¼cupwater
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
-
Cut a slit lengthwise through the length of the plantain about halfway through. Place them on a baking dish and bake covered with foil for about 40 minutes until soft.
-
Meanwhile, brown the ground turkey on medium heat in a large sauté pan and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces.
-
Add the chopped onions, garlic, pepper, tomato, and cilantro and continue cooking on low heat.
-
Add the alcaparrado (or olives and capers) and about 2 tbsp of the brine (for great flavor) cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and more salt if needed.
-
Add the tomato sauce and ¼ cup of water, and mix well.
-
Reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
-
Remove the plantains from the oven and fill them with ⅓ cup each of picadillo, then top each with 2 tablespoons of cheese.
-
Return to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until melted. Top with cilantro and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 403.85kcal
- Fat: 11.53g
- Saturated Fat: 6.03g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.12g
- Carbohydrates: 61.08g
- Fiber: 5.03g
- Sugar: 28.41g
- Protein: 20.19g
- Cholesterol: 62.93mg
- Sodium: 713.55mg
- Calcium: 213.90mg
- Potassium: 1137.77mg
- Iron: 2.10mg
- Vitamin A: 200.47µg
- Vitamin C: 44.71mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Perfect Results
When preparing the plantains, ensure they are ripe but still firm. Overripe plantains may become too soft and mushy when baked, making it difficult to stuff them with the turkey picadillo. On the other hand, underripe plantains may not have the sweet flavor that complements the savory picadillo. To check for ripeness, look for plantains that have a deep yellow color with a few black spots, similar to a ripe banana.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains
Prep ahead: Prepare the turkey picadillo filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save time when assembling the stuffed plantains.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like a food processor to chop vegetables quickly and efficiently. This will streamline the prep process for the turkey picadillo.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the turkey picadillo and freezing the extra portion for future use. This can save time on busy days.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, organize all the ingredients and kitchen tools needed. This will help streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.
Multi-task: While the plantains are baking, use that time to prepare the turkey picadillo filling. This way, both components of the dish can be worked on simultaneously, saving time overall.
Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains Recipe
turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and flavor to ground turkey, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with queso blanco: Queso blanco is a mild, crumbly cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture similar to mozzarella.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish if cilantro is not available.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor similar to onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic cloves are not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to taste.
tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can add a similar color and a hint of sweetness to the dish as tomatoes do.
bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, which can be a good substitute for bell peppers.
tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a fresher flavor.
alcaparrado - Substitute with green olives and capers: A mixture of green olives and capers can replicate the briny, tangy flavor of alcaparrado.
brine - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can be used as a substitute for brine to add acidity and flavor to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness.
Plating Ideas for an Impressive Presentation
Elevate the plantains: Carefully arrange the stuffed plantains on a serving platter, ensuring they are presented neatly and elegantly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the stuffed plantains to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Create a beautiful cheese melt: Ensure the mozzarella cheese is melted to perfection, creating a visually appealing and inviting presentation.
Incorporate a touch of color: Consider adding a vibrant element, such as a drizzle of vibrant tomato sauce, to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Arrange in a symmetrical pattern: Place the stuffed plantains in a symmetrical and visually pleasing arrangement on the plate to showcase the dish's elegance.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware that complements the colors and textures of the dish, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Consider the negative space: Pay attention to the use of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Add a touch of flair: Consider incorporating a small, edible garnish or a sprinkle of paprika to add a touch of flair and sophistication to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stuffed Sweet Plantains
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying foods.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden utensil used for stirring, mixing, and cooking various dishes.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting a variety of foods.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering dishes and wrapping food for cooking.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese and other foods into fine pieces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping foods.
- Oven mitts: Insulated gloves or mitts used to handle hot dishes and cookware.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of cooked meats to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Grill or broiler: Cooking equipment used for grilling or broiling food at high heat.
How To Store and Freeze Leftovers
- Allow the stuffed plantains to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled plantains in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed plantains:
- Wrap each plantain individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped plantains in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen stuffed plantains:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plantains from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the plantains on a baking sheet and cover them with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you prefer a crispy exterior, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Note: The texture of the plantains may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but they will still be delicious and flavorful.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the turkey picadillo filling separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight and use it to stuff freshly baked plantains when ready to serve.
How To Reheat Leftovers
To reheat leftover turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed plantains on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the plantains loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the stuffed plantains on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as the cheese may become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your leftover turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffed plantains in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the stuffed plantains in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed plantains in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice over the top before serving. This will brighten up the flavors and make the dish taste fresh again.
Random Fact about Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains
The sweet plantains used in this recipe are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. They are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional starches and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including turkey, plantains, and cheese, are relatively affordable and readily available. The use of simple, fresh ingredients makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9 out of 10 for its affordability, delicious flavors, and nutritional value.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantains has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:
- Turkey is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat
- Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as onion, garlic, tomato, and bell pepper, which offer additional nutrients and antioxidants
However, there are some areas of concern:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of cheese, which can be high in saturated fat and calories
- Depending on the preparation method, the plantains may absorb a lot of oil during cooking, increasing the overall fat content
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat variety, such as part-skim mozzarella
- Instead of frying the plantains, bake them in the oven with minimal oil to reduce the fat content
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the picadillo mixture to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Use low-sodium tomato sauce and be mindful of the amount of added salt to keep sodium levels in check
- Serve the stuffed plantains with a side salad or other non-starchy vegetables to balance out the meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this turkey picadillo stuffed sweet plantain recipe while also supporting your overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion: A Flavorful and Unique Recipe
The combination of sweet plantains, savory turkey picadillo, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The recipe's use of traditional Latin American ingredients, such as alcaparrado and cilantro, adds an authentic touch. The method of baking the stuffed plantains allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a satisfying and visually appealing dish. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new culinary experiences.
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Why trust this Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of sweet plantains with the savory richness of turkey picadillo. The use of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch, while the aromatic blend of cilantro and cumin infuses the dish with vibrant, zesty notes. The incorporation of alcaparrado and brine further enhances the depth of flavors, ensuring a tantalizing culinary experience. With meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious balance of ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience that users can trust and savor.
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