Savory Steamed Plantain Pork Parcels

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €41.97 · €7.00/serving

• 6 large vine-ripened tomatoes (about 3 pounds), roughly chopped (blanch in hot water for easy peeling)Est. price €2.10–€3.90
• 1 medium emerald green bell pepper (about 6 ounces), with core, seeds, and veins removed, then roughly chopped (roast for smoky flavor)Est. price €0.80–€1.50
• 1 medium golden-hued onion (about 8 ounces), coarsely chopped (soak in ice water for extra crispness)Est. price €0.40–€0.75
• 8 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled (slice thinly for intense flavor)Est. price €0.50–€0.90
• 20 aromatic Caribbean sweet peppers (known as ajes dulces), deseeded and halved (marinate in lime juice for added brightness)Est. price €3.00–€5.00
• 1/2 cup homemade tomato sauce (simmer slowly for rich flavors)Est. price €0.25–€0.45
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro (add at the end for a burst of freshness)Est. price €0.40–€0.70
• 2 large broad-leaf culantro leaves (tear just before using for maximum aroma)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of artisanal cider vinegar (use in marinades for tenderizing)Est. price €0.45–€0.80
• 1 teaspoon of dried Mediterranean oregano (crush between fingers to release oils)Est. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Set the seasoning base aside. If preferred, you can prepare the seasoning base (recado) a day in advance.

2. 2

   Begin by heating the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until it turns golden brown, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Then, introduce the pork into the skillet and continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the pork starts to render its fat, which typically takes about 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Incorporate the recado into the mixture, then lower the heat and simmer with a lid for approximately 50 minutes until the pork becomes tender when probed with a sharp knife. If the sauce thickens excessively while cooking, introduce some chicken broth. Once the meat is cooked, use a slotted spoon to move it onto a plate. Reserve the sauce for later use. For preparation in advance, it is possible to prepare the sofrito a day ahead of time.

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• Cultural note

  Savory Steamed Plantain Pork Parcels have Caribbean influences with ingredients like achiote-infused olive oil, culantro leaves, and malanga. The use of plantain leaves for steaming is a traditional method in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

• Seasonal note

  Savory Steamed Plantain Pork Parcels are best made in late summer and fall when plantains and bell peppers are in season. This dish can also be enjoyed year-round with readily available ingredients.

• Health note

  This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like A and C. However, it is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.