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Plantain Cups (Calorie-Conscious, No Frying)

Crispy-edged, soft plantain cups with a juicy filling that didn’t taste like “diet food” at all.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Nigerian, Nigerian Fusion
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Plantain Cups
  • 878 g raw ripe plantains about 4 medium plantains
For the Beef Filling
  • 1.56 lb 92% lean ground beef
  • 130 g shredded cabbage
  • ½ small onion finely diced
  • ½ habanero pepper minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning of choice
Optional Topping
  • 1/10 cup Guacamole 57g mini guacamole cup

Method
 

Prepare the Plantain Cups
  1. Peel the plantains and cut each one into 3 equal pieces. They should look like short logs.
  2. Roast in the oven or air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes, until soft and lightly golden.
  3. While still hot, press each piece between two cups to form a cup shape. Set aside.
Prepare the Beef Filling
  1. Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium heat and begin breaking it apart.
  2. Add the seasoning and stir well.
  3. Add the diced onion, habanero, and shredded cabbage. Cook until the cabbage releases liquid and about 80% of the moisture has evaporated.
  4. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and turn off the heat. The peppers should remain slightly crunchy, and the beef should stay juicy.
Assemble
  1. Spoon the beef filling into each plantain cup.
  2. Top with a small amount of guacamole if desired.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy.