Alcapurrias

Dive into the rich flavors of Puerto Rico with these golden, crispy alcapurrias—the ultimate fried snack that's both comforting and indulgent. Made with a smooth masa crafted from grated green plantains and yautía (taro root) blended with achiote oil for vibrant color, these savory turnovers are stuffed with a tantalizing ground beef filling, perfectly seasoned with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomato paste, olives, and capers. Each alcapurria is carefully formed and fried to perfection, resulting in a delightfully crispy crust and a warm, flavorful center. Ideal as a party appetizer or a casual snack, these alcapurrias embody the essence of traditional Puerto Rican street food. Whether served alone or paired with a dipping sauce, their bold, tropical flavors are sure to impress. Perfect for those craving authentic Latin cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 medium Green plantains
• 1 pound Yautía (taro root)
• 2 tablespoons Achiote oil
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 medium, finely diced Onion
• 1 medium, finely diced Bell pepper
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Capers
• 0.25 cup, chopped Olives
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

Peel the green plantains and yautía and slice them into chunks for easier grating. Use a box grater or food processor to finely grate both ingredients into a smooth, sticky dough. This forms the masa.

Step 2

Add the achiote oil to the masa for color and flavor, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart into small pieces.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, capers, and chopped olives. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 6

To assemble, take about 2-3 tablespoons of masa and flatten it into an oval shape on a piece of parchment paper or lightly greased plastic wrap.

Step 7

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the beef filling into the center of the masa. Carefully fold the masa over the filling using the edges of the parchment paper or plastic to help form a sealed, elongated shape.

Step 8

Heat frying oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slide the alcapurrias into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.

Step 9

Fry each alcapurria for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 10

Serve the alcapurrias warm as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2215.4 grams (2215.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9679

Total Fat 1032.20g	1323%
Saturated Fat 168.50g	843%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 3179mg	138%
Total Carbohydrate 123.90g	45%
Dietary Fiber 21.30g	76%
Total Sugars 16.10g
Protein 87.30g	175%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 303mg	23%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 4183mg	89%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 91.7%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 4.9%