Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches

Black bean and plantain arepa sandwiches offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Here’s a recipe for this tasty dish:

Ingredients:

For the Arepas:

• 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (pre-cooked cornmeal, also known as masarepa, is typically used for arepas)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups warm water
• One teaspoon salt
• One tablespoon of vegetable oil

For the Black Bean Filling:

• One can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• One small red onion, finely chopped
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• One teaspoon of ground cumin
• One teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Two tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• One tablespoon of lime juice

For the Plantains:

• Two ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Vegan cheese
• Salsa or hot sauce

Instructions:

Make the Arepas:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and vegetable oil.
2. Gradually add warm water while mixing until the dough comes together. It should have a playdough-like consistency.
3. Let the dough rest for a few minutes, then divide it into equal portions and shape them into round discs about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
4. Cook the arepas on a grill or non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden crust.

Prepare the Black Bean Filling:

1. In a saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add the drained black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the beans are heated through, and the flavors meld.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Cook the Plantains:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced plantains and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Assemble the Arepa Sandwiches:

1. Slice the arepas in half horizontally.
2. Spread a layer of the black bean filling on one-half of the area.
3. Top with a few slices of cooked plantains.
4. Add optional toppings such as avocado slices, vegan cheese, or salsa.
5. Place the other half of the arepa on top to create a sandwich.

Serve your black bean and plantain arepa sandwiches warm, and enjoy the combination of savory black beans, sweet plantains, and the comforting corn flavor of the arepas.