Rellenitos Guatemaltecos

Rellenitos Guatemaltecos is a traditional Latin American dessert primarily popular in Guatemala. They are sweet plantain fritters filled with a delightful black bean mixture, often seasoned with cinnamon and sugar. The dish reflects the rich cultural history and agricultural traditions of Guatemala, where both plantains and black beans play a significant role in the local diet. This dish is often enjoyed during festive occasions and holds a special place in Guatemalan culinary culture.

Ingredients

• Plantains
• Black Beans
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Oil

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the plantains. Peel and cut them into smaller sections suitable for boiling.
2. In a pot of water, boil the plantains until they are soft. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes based on the ripeness of the plantains.
3. While the plantains are boiling, take the opportunity to prepare the filling. If using canned black beans, ensure they are drained and rinsed.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the drained black beans, sugar, and cinnamon to your taste. Blend into a smooth, thick paste.

Assembling the Rellenitos

1. Once the plantains are boiled adequately, drain them and mash them into a smooth consistency. The texture should be sticky enough to form patties.
2. Take a small amount of the mashed plantains in your hand and flatten them slightly.
3. Add a spoonful of the black bean paste in the center of the flattened plantain.
4. Carefully fold the edges around the bean paste and seal them to form a small ball or oval-shaped fritter.
5. Repeat this process until all the mashed plantains and bean paste have been used.

Cooking Rellenitos

1. Prepare a skillet with a generous amount of oil. Heat the oil until it's hot enough for frying.
2. Carefully place each filled plantain fritter into the oil. Fry each side until golden brown. This generally takes about 3-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the fried rellenitos and allow them to drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Enjoying Your Rellenitos

Rellenitos this way are best enjoyed warm, when the sweetness of the plantains and the spiced bean filling perfectly meld together. They can be served as a dessert or a snack, often dusted with additional sugar and cinnamon if desired.

To make the experience more authentic, try pairing your rellenitos with a cup of Guatemalan coffee or a traditional hot chocolate. Enjoy the rich flavors while letting the history and culture of Guatemala envelop your senses. Make sure not to miss checking the cooking time while preparing Rellenitos Guatemaltecos to achieve perfect results every time.