Delicious Neuris Recipe: Traditional Nepalese Sweet Dumplings

Ingredients

  • 3 large plantains
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup of green olives, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the plantains, cut them into thin slices, and set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  3. Fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until it's browned and no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until they become soft.
  6. Add the tomato sauce, green olives, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  7. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir well. Cook the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  9. Brush a baking dish with some of the melted butter, then arrange a layer of the fried plantains on the bottom.
  10. Spread half of the beef mixture over the plantains, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
  11. Repeat the process with another layer of plantains, beef mixture, and cheese.
  12. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top layer of cheese.
  13. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  14. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef, sauté the vegetables, and prepare the beef mixture.
  • Baking dish - A baking dish is required to assemble and bake the Neuris.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to peel the plantains, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for slicing the plantains and preparing the vegetables.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are essential for draining the fried plantains.
  • Brush - A brush will be used to grease the baking dish with melted butter.
  • Oven - An oven is required to bake the Neuris.

Recipe variations

  • Use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with vegetarian ground meat alternatives.
  • Add diced tomatoes or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Include cooked bacon or chorizo for a smoky and savory twist.
  • Try a different type of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier flavor.
  • Add some chopped jalapenos or hot sauce to make it spicy.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or cilantro for additional flavor profiles.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal to coat the plantains.
  • Instead of frying the plantains, you can bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based meat substitutes and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Serve it with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa verde.

Recipe overview

This delightful recipe is for Neuris, a savory and hearty dish that originates from Latin America. It features plantains as its star ingredient, paired with a flavorful ground beef mixture, and topped off with a generous sprinkling of cheese. The process of making Neuris is a labor of love, but well worth the effort. The plantains are fried until golden, the beef is sautéd with aromatic spices and vegetables, and everything is layered together and baked until bubbly and golden. Though it may seem complex, the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. The end result is a comforting, rich, and delicious dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure and a feast for the senses!

Common questions

  1. Can I use ripe plantains instead of green ones? Yes, you can use ripe plantains if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, they may be softer and less firm when frying.
  2. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat? Certainly! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives.
  3. Can I omit the olives? Of course! If you don't like olives or prefer not to use them, you can simply leave them out of the recipe.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses according to your preference. However, keep in mind that the suggested combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese works well for this recipe.
  5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian meat alternative or use a mixture of cooked lentils and vegetables as a filling.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the dish may need a few extra minutes in the oven when chilled.
  7. Can I freeze the dish? Yes, you can freeze the dish before baking it. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the recipe instructions.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A dish used for baking the Neuris in the oven.
  • Skillet - A large frying pan used for cooking the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
  • Knife - Used for peeling the plantains and chopping the onion.
  • Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Paper towels - Used for draining the fried plantains.
  • Brush - Used for greasing the baking dish with melted butter.
  • Oven - Used for baking the Neuris until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Origin stories

Neuris, also known as pastelón, is a dish that hails from the vibrant and culturally rich Caribbean, particularly from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It's often likened to a tropical lasagna, given its layered structure. The use of plantains, a staple in Caribbean cuisine, represents the African influence in the region's culinary history. Plantains were brought to the Caribbean via African slave trade routes and have since become an integral part of the local cuisine. This dish is an exquisite blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring the sweetness of the ripe plantains and the hearty savoriness of the meat filling. Notorious for making its appearance during Christmas and other festive celebrations, Neuris holds a special place in the hearts of the Caribbean people as a symbol of home, warmth, and communal feasting.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.