Canoas Sweet Plantain Boats Recipe By Tasty

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Make the beef filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and green pepper and sauté until softened and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cilantro and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef, breaking up with a spatula to incorporate into the vegetables. Season with the adobo, garlic powder, and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.
• Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium-low heat, stir in the tomato sauce, and cook until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
• Make the plantains: Trim the ends off of the plantains, then peel.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-low heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (180°C). Working in batches if needed, add the plantains and fry, turning every 30 seconds or so, until golden brown on all sides and tender enough to be pierced with a fork, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain until cool enough to handle.
• Transfer the plantains to a cutting board. Cut a slit lengthwise down each plantain, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use 2 forks to gently pull each plantain open. Use a fork, flat-side down, to press the base of the "canoe" to widen. Transfer to a baking dish and season with salt.
• Fill each plantain with ¼-⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, add about ½-¾ cup of the beef filling, then top with ¼-⅓ cup more cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and bubbly. Garnish with torn cilantro.
• Enjoy!