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Cocina Criolla / Fried Dishes

Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias are one of Puerto Rico's most beloved street foods. These crispy fritters are made from a dough of grated green bananas and yautía (taro root), stuffed with a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef or crab, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are commonly found at beach kiosks, roadside food stands, and festivals throughout the island, especially along the coast.

Ingredients

For the Dought For the Filling

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and sofrito, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and olives. Simmer for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Let the filling cool.

Grate the green bananas and yautías using the fine side of a grater or a food processor. Mix the grated vegetables with the salt and annatto oil until the mixture forms a smooth dough. If needed, add a tablespoon of milk to improve the consistency.

Place about ¼ cup of dough in your hand or on a piece of parchment paper. Flatten it into an oval, place one tablespoon of the meat filling in the center, and cover with more dough. Seal the edges and shape into a football-like oval.

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the alcapurrias for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot.


My Favorite Recipe Book

Find recipes like this and more in the recipe book Puerto Rican Cookery by Carmen Aboy Valldejuli. My mother gave me this recipe book on my 18th birthday and it has been my staple recipe book ever since.






Did You Know?

The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is the oldest buildings in San Juan, and is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere; construction began in 1521.