Pastelón

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Special Menu: Tour of North America

Mashed Plantains
4 very ripe plantains, washed, and cut into chunks, peel still on
salted water
1 T buttery spread
salt
water

bring salted water to a boil in large pot, and add plantains.
boil for 15-20 minutes until plantains are yellow and swelling in their peels
drain, then peel and mash in a bowl, adding buttery spread, water, and salt until fluffy and mashed potato like.

Preheat 425

Filling
1 T olive oil
2 medium onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cubanelle pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 t capers, drained
4 green olives, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 t dried thyme
1/2 packet Sazón
Adobo Seasoning to taste
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

in a large pan, heat oil, then saute onions and peppers.
add garlic, tomato, capers, olives, beans and spices, and heat until well combined.
remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

In a 8x8 casserole dish, spread a layer of the mashed plantains (half of the mixture).
mash it down by hand.
then add all your filling, a layer of vegan cheese, and finally a layer of the remaining plantains.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until top layer is golden. serve garnished with parsley and your favorite hot sauce.