Our experience in Guatemala was amazing. We visited many places, we met amazing people but we mostly tried delicious food, one of our favorites is Relleintos. Relleitos are deliciously fried balls made out of plantain, filled with black beans and chocolate. This combination of flavors makes Relleintos a fun and delicious dessert to make.
We spent a month hosted by Joaquin from Cuscun, the best cooking school in Antigua, Guatemala. Joaquin is a 100% Chapin guy with lots of energy and beautiful ideas, he happily shared with us his traditional Rellenito recipe and we are so excited to share it with you.
RELLENITOS: A GUATEMALAN DESSERT YOU CAN NOT RESIST
Rellenitos are a dessert with Spanish heritage that was enriched by Afro-Caribbean influences at the end of the Colonial era. Today, Rellenitos are a big part of indigenous cultures of the GarÃfuna and Ladino tribes as well as one of the most popular desserts in Guatemala.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 liter of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 30 gr dark chocolate
- 1 cup of black beans, blended
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
- 4 plantains
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the unpeeled plantains into thirds. Place them in a large pot together with the water and the cinnamon stick. Let it boil at high temperature. When the plantains are soft, drain the water and let the plantains cool down.
Pro Tips: To know if the plantains are ready just wait until the pulp pops out from the skin.
In a bowl, mix together the beans, cinnamon powder, the melted chocolate, and sugar. Set aside.
Peel the cooked plantains and mash them until they form a soft dough. Take a handful and form a medium-sized sphere. Make a cradle and fill it with the chocolate and bean mixture. Seal it with the plantain-dough, and shape it as a sphere.
Fry the Rellenitos in a pan with oil until they turn golden brown. Let them rest on a paper towel and serve them warm.
Every bite is an explosion of flavors.
Enjoy!
