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Vegan Pastelon (Puerto Rican Plantain Lasagna) 

Pastelon is a classic Puerto Rican dish made with ripe plantains and picadillo, and usually beef. This is a vegan version that is simple to make and full of flavor and flair!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Puerto Rican

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 yellow plantains yellow and very ripe
  • 1 cup sunflower oil plus 3 tablespoons for the picadillo *see notes for oil free
  • ½ cup sofrito *see notes
  • 1 small white onion diced
  • ½ green bell pepper diced
  • 2 sweet red peppers diced
  • 1 handful cilantro chopped
  • 16 oz baby bella mushrooms diced
  • 1 pack Beyond Meat crumbles
  • 16 oz baby bella mushrooms diced
  • 1 pack Beyond Meat crumbles
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 - ½ teaspoon sazon seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cup tomato sauce
  • 16 oz Violife cheddar shreds

Instructions
 

  • For the Plantains:
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 oven proof baking dish to assemble pastelon later.
  • Using a knife carefully cut off both ends of each plantain. Using the tip of the knife, slit down the back of the plantain to peel it.
  • Placing your hands flat over the peeled plantains, slice the plantain into ⅛ to ¼ inch thick slabs by running the knife down the length of the plantain. Repeat the process for each plantain.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Fry plantains on one side for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Carefully flip plantains using tongs.
  • Set aside fried plantains while you make the picadillo.
  • Cook the Vegan Picadillo:
  • In a large skillet, heat oil or aquafaba over medium heat/
  • Add sofrito, onions, peppers and cilantro. Saute until fragrant.
  • Add Beyond Meat and mushroom crumbles.
  • Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  • Add sason, adobo, oregano and 1 cup of tomato sauce.
  • Cook for about 8-10 minutes allowing picadillo to come to a simmer.
  • Assemble the Pastelon:
  • Create a base-layer of plantain slices in the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle some cheddar shreds to the layer.
  • Top vegan cheese with a layer of picadillo mixture. Next add some tomato sauce (like when you are making lasagna) top with more cheese.
  • Repeat the steps to add another layer.
  • Finally, top the dish with a layer of plantain slices. Add tomato sauce and veha cheese. Sprinkle some cilantro.
  • Bake your pastelon for about 35 minutes. Once the pastelon is done, sprinkle more vegan cheese on top and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
  • Remove pastelon from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Serve pastelon with more veggies or white steamed rice.
Keyword vegan
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