Carl Ruiz Recipes

PLANTAINS STUFFED WITH PICADILLO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
• Cut off both ends of each plantain, then remove and discard the peels. Place the plantains on the baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake the plantains for 15 minutes, then turn them over and bake until the plantains are lightly golden brown and tender, an additional 15 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature.
• Meanwhile, clip a deep-frying thermometer onto a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat 1 1/2 inches (about 2 1/2 cups) vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
• Fry the plantains in batches until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to cool.
• Heat the remaining 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, then stir and cook another 2 minutes. Add the ground beef, olives, poblano chile and some salt and cook, breaking up the meat, until the meat is entirely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes with the reserved juices, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and some salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Fold in half the Cotija, then stir to melt and set aside.
• Cut a slit in each of the plantains running the long way. Divide the picadillo chili among the plantains. Sprinkle the tops with remaining Cotija. Garnish with the cilantro and serve.

FUFU

Steps:

• Cut the ends off the plantains and discard. Slice each plantain into 2-inch chunks and score the skins with a knife along one edge. (Do not remove the peel.) Combine the plantains with the chicken stock in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover and simmer until tender.
• Cut the pork into approximately 1-inch cubes. Season with salt, and place in a large sauce pan. Add enough water to just barely cover the pork. Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, until all of the water has boiled away and the pork begins to fry in the rendered fat. Continue to cook just until brown but not crispy. (The meat should be tender and stringy.)
• Remove the fully cooked plantains from the broth, reserving the broth. Peel the plantains. Mash the plantains with a little of the broth, just enough to make a soft paste, like mashed potatoes.
• Mash together the plantains, garlic and lemon juice. Mix in the pork and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish the top with the remaining bacon and green onions and serve hot.

FRITA CUBANO

Steps:

• For the quick mojo aioli: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, cumin, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Cover and refrigerate until ready to dress the burgers.
• For the burgers: Mix the ground beef, chorizo, cumin, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper in a large bowl, folding it over itself until thoroughly mixed. Let the meat rest 15 minutes at room temperature or for up to 4 hours refrigerated. Shape the meat into 12 balls all the same size, then lightly press them into chubby round patties.
• Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the onions and sweat until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the patties on top of the onions and press the patties onto the onions using a spatula. Let cook, 3 to 4 minutes; the onions will continue to cook and caramelize in the patty juices, adding flavor to the patties. Flip the patties and cook until firm, 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and top with the Swiss cheese.
• Spread 1 tablespoon mojo aioli on the bottoms of each Hawaiian roll, then top with a patty and a generous handful of the Mini French Fries. Serve.
• Peel the potatoes, then shred them on the largest holes of a box grater. Soak in cold water to remove starch and prevent browning, 5 minutes. Strain in a colander and dry on paper towels.
• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 375 degrees F.
• Fry the potatoes in batches, moving the potatoes gently with a spider to keep them separated, until brown and crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove to a bowl, season with salt and toss to ensure all the fries are thoroughly seasoned.

ELENA RUZ SANDWICH (CUBAN TURKEY SANDWICH)

Steps:

• Spread 1 slice of toasted white bread generously with cream cheese and the other slice with the strawberry preserves.
• Place the turkey slices in the middle, close and ENJOY!