Dominican Sweet Plantain Casserole with Braised Beef, Spiced Pumpkin, and Golden Frying Cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with a little of the vegetable oil and set aside.

2. 2

   Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, half of the dried oregano, half of the ground cumin, and half of the black pepper.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Add half of the red onion, half of the sweet peppers, and half of the minced garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until the onion softens.

5. 5

   Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, green olives, capers, and water. Reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens. Uncover during the last 5 minutes if needed to reduce the liquid. Adjust salt and set aside.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, peel the ripe plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them in enough water with a pinch of salt for 12 to 15 minutes, until very tender. Drain well.

7. 7

   Place the hot plantains in a large bowl and mash them with the butter, evaporated milk, and beaten egg until thick and smooth. Set aside.

8. 8

   In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining red onion, sweet peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the pumpkin cubes, the remaining dried oregano, the remaining ground cumin, the remaining black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until the pumpkin is tender but not falling apart. Add the fresh cilantro and remove from the heat.

10. 10

    In another skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the slices of frying cheese for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to paper towels.

11. 11

    Assemble the casserole by spreading half of the mashed ripe plantain in the baking dish. Cover with all of the stewed beef, then spread the sautéed pumpkin over it. Add the remaining mashed plantain on top and smooth the surface.

12. 12

    Arrange the browned frying cheese slices over the top layer. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes at 375°F / 190°C, until heated through and lightly golden on top.

13. 13

    Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set more neatly.