Alcapurrias

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste sensation of Alcapurrias, a traditional Puerto Rican dish that will tantalize your taste buds with its savory blend of ground beef, spices, and root vegetables. Perfectly shaped and fried to golden perfection, these mouthwatering morsels are packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you're looking for a delicious appetizer or a satisfying snack, these Alcapurrias are sure to satisfy your cravings. So why wait? Try our recipe today and experience the true taste of Puerto Rico in every bite!

Alcapurrias are a traditional Puerto Rican dish that are often served as a snack or appetizer. They are made with a mixture of ground beef and root vegetables, such as Malanga root, that are shaped into small patties and then fried.

Malanga root is a starchy root vegetable that is commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. It is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals such as potassium and calcium. It's a good source of carbs but it's also low in calories, making it a great alternative to regular flour. Additionally, because of its starchy consistency, it also makes a great thickener in soups and stews, as well as a substitute for potatoes in many dishes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat other than ground beef?

A: Yes, you can use any type of ground meat such as pork or turkey.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them up and use about 2 cups of diced tomatoes.

Q: Can I use a different type of root vegetable instead of Malanga root?

A: Yes, you can use yucca, taro root, or cassava instead of Malanga root.

Q: Can I make the alcapurrias in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the alcapurrias in advance and freeze them for later. Just make sure to freeze them before frying.

Q: Can I air fry the alcapurrias instead of deep frying them?

A: Yes, you can air fry the alcapurrias. Keep in mind that they may come out a bit dryer than when deep frying them.

Q: How can I store leftovers?

A: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or in the oven before serving.

Make it

Recipe for Alcapurrias

Ingredients

For the ground meat:

1 pound of lean ground beef

1 medium-sized onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon of Adobo seasoning

1 packet of sazon

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon of paprika

1/2 teaspoon of cumin

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes

1 cup of water

For the Masa:

1 pound of Malanga root

6 green bananas

1 green plantain

2 teaspoons of Adobo seasoning

2 packets of sazon

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it up. Saute until it turns brown.

Add the diced onion and saute until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.

Season the beef mixture with Adobo seasoning, sazon, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes to wake up the spices.

Add diced tomatoes and water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the water has been reduced and the sauce has thickened.

Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside.

Peel the Malanga root, green bananas, and green plantain. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces and pulse them through a food processor until they reach a smooth consistency.

Season the vegetable mixture with Adobo seasoning, sazon, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.

To shape the alcapurrias, use two granola bar silicone molds. Spread some of the vegetable mixture in the mold and add some of the beef mixture in the center. Cover the beef with another layer of the vegetable mixture. Repeat the same steps to shape the rest of the alcapurrias.

Transfer the molds to the freezer for at least four hours before frying.

To fry the alcapurrias, add canola oil to a non-stick frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Reduce the heat to low and add the alcapurrias to the hot oil. Fry for 8 minutes per side.

To air fry the alcapurrias, heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes per side.

Serve the alcapurrias with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Note: If you don't have the silicone molds, you can use non-stick parchment paper to shape the alcapurrias.

Classic Rellenos de Papa Puerto Rican's Style