Alcapurrias(Stuffed Green Bananas)

• 6 whole black peppercorns
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 c. tomato sauce
• 3 lb. green bananas
• 1 large green plantain
• 1/2 c. achiote
• vegetable oil for frying

1. In a mortar, crush peppercorns, garlic, salt and oregano. Blend in olive oil and vinegar.
2. Add seasoning to the beef and mix. Brown seasoned beef in a skillet over high heat (no extra oil is necessary).
3. Reduce heat to low.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
5. With a slotted spoon, remove meat to a bowl and set aside.
6. Peel bananas and plantain, cut in half.
7. Grate the bananas and plantain, using the grating dish of a food processor or a hand held shredder.
8. Mix in a bowl with the achiote; then mash with a fork or potato masher.
9. Spread some of the banana-plantain mix in the palm of your hand (keep palms wet while doing this).
10. With your fingers, make a small nest in the center of the mix in your palm and stuff with about a spoonful of the beef filling.
11. Cover the filling with more mix and shape into a cylinder of croquette.
12. Repeat until filling and bananas are used up. Deep-fry in very hot oil (375u0b0) until golden brown (about 4 minutes each).
13. Remove and drain on absorbent paper towels.

black peppercorns, garlic, salt, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, green bananas, green plantain, achiote, vegetable oil

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=938576 (may not work)