Savor Puerto Rico with authentic alcapurrias! These delicious fritters feature green banana and yautía dough, filled with seasoned meat. A true island delight !
A popular street food in Puerto Rico, alcapurrias are a must-try for any food lover!
Ingredients:
- 2 green bananas, peeled and grated
- 1 yautía (taro root), peeled and grated
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1-In a large bowl, mix the grated green bananas and grated yautía together to form a dough-like consistency. Set aside.
2-In a separate pan, cook the ground beef or pork over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3-Take a small amount of the banana and yautía dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center and fold the dough around the filling, forming a cylindrical shape. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used.
4-Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the alcapurrias in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5-Remove the alcapurrias from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Values :
Green bananas (1 medium):
- Calories: 121
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 0.4g
benefits :
- Rich in resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic and can improve gut health.
- High in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.
- Contains vitamins C and B6, which are important for immune function and metabolism.
Yautía (Taro root) (1 cup, cooked):
- Calories: 187
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
benefits :
- Good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps you feel full.
- Contains potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function.
- Provides vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
Ground beef (1 pound, cooked):
- Calories: 780
- Protein: 84g
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
benefits :
- Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
- Contains iron, which is necessary for making red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- Provides zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system and wound healing.
Onion (1 small):
- Calories: 29
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
benefits :
- Rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Contains prebiotic fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health.
- May help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health.
Bell pepper (1 medium):
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
benefits :
- High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps the body absorb iron.
- Contains vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function.
- Provides antioxidants that protect against cell damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Garlic (2 cloves):
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
benefits :
- Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit heart health.
- May boost the immune system and reduce the severity of colds and flu.
Oregano (1 teaspoon, dried):
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
benefits :
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
- May have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit heart health.
Cumin (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
benefits :
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage.
- May help improve digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes.
- Has been linked to potential reductions in blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
Salt and pepper: Negligible calories and nutrients.
benefits :
- Flavor Enhancement: Salt and pepper are the quintessential seasoning duo, enhancing the flavor of nearly any dish. Salt brings out the natural flavors of ingredients, while pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Digestive Aid: Together, salt and pepper can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in digestion and promoting better nutrient absorption.
- Antioxidant Properties: Black pepper contains piperine, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. When combined with salt, which can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients, this pairing can contribute to overall health.
- Electrolyte Balance: Salt is crucial for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance, which is essential for muscle function, nerve transmission, and hydration. Adding a pinch of black pepper can enhance the flavor without adding extra calories, making it easier to consume the right amount of salt.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Black pepper has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, while salt, in moderation, can support various bodily functions. Together, they can contribute to a balanced diet that supports overall health.
- Culinary Versatility: The combination of salt and pepper is incredibly versatile, used in countless dishes around the world. This makes it a practical and beneficial addition to everyday cooking, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.
Vegetable oil (for frying, amount varies):
- Calories: 120 per tablespoon
- Fat: 14g per tablespoon
benefits :
- Contains healthy unsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Can increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E, and K.
These values are based on raw ingredients and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities used in your recipe.
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