Bollos de Carne de Cerdo
Savory steamed dumplings made from green plantain dough, filled with seasoned slow-cooked pork, and wrapped in achira leaves for a unique earthy flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork shoulder(cut into small cubes)
- 6 large Green plantains
- 3 tbsp Achiote oil (annatto oil)
- 1 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 8-10 large Achira leaves(softened by passing over flame or in hot water)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the filling: Heat 1 tbsp of achiote oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped red onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 2
Add the cubed pork shoulder to the pan. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro.
- 3
For the dough: Peel the green plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them in salted water until very tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well.
- 4
Mash the boiled plantains until smooth, incorporating the remaining 2 tbsp of achiote oil and salt to taste. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- 5
To assemble: Place a softened achira leaf on a flat surface. Spoon a portion of the plantain dough onto the leaf and flatten it into a disc.
- 6
Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of the dough disc. Fold the achira leaf to enclose the filling, creating a neat parcel. You can tie it with kitchen twine if needed.
- 7
Steam the bollos in a steamer basket over boiling water for 30-40 minutes, or until the dough is firm and cooked through.
- 8
Serve the bollos hot, unwrapped from the achira leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the achira leaves are properly softened to prevent tearing when folding.
- ✓The plantain dough should be smooth; if it's too dry, add a little more achiote oil or a splash of water.
- ✓The pork filling can be prepared a day in advance.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute chicken or fish for the pork filling.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or peas to the pork filling for added texture and flavor.