Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches Recipe
These Black Bean & Plantain Arepa Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, featuring crispy roasted plantains, spiced black beans, creamy guacamole, and fresh toppings all stuffed into warm arepas. Perfect for a vegetarian meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Arepas
- 6 large arepas (or substitute with corn tortillas)
Roasted Plantains
- 2 large ripe and spotty plantains, peeled
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or preferred oil)
Black Beans
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, slightly drained
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 pinch sea salt
Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2-3 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Toppings
- Cabbage (to taste)
- Cilantro (to taste)
- Habanero Hot Sauce or other hot sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Arepas: If you haven’t prepared your arepas yet, start them now. Note that making arepas takes about 30 minutes but this time is not included in the prep time of the recipe.
- Roast the Plantains: Preheat your oven to 400°F (209°C). Peel the plantains and slice them on a diagonal into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place these slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to coat evenly. Arrange them in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once around the 10-minute mark to ensure even caramelization. They should be golden brown when finished.
- Heat the Beans: While the plantains roast, transfer the slightly drained black beans into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the beans are bubbly and hot. Season with ground cumin and a pinch of sea salt, stirring well to combine. Once heated through, turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Guacamole: In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocados. Add lime juice, sea salt, diced onion, and chopped cilantro, stirring everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lime juice, or onion as needed for balance and texture. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the warm arepas in half or create a pocket to stuff. Layer guacamole, warm black beans, roasted plantains, and your preferred toppings such as cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of habanero hot sauce.
- Serve and Store: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store each component separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain texture and flavor.
Notes
- Arepas can be substituted with corn tortillas if preferred.
- Use ripe and spotty plantains for optimal sweetness and caramelization.
- Adjust the lime juice and salt in the guacamole to taste for a perfect balance.
- Store leftovers separately to prevent sogginess, reheating plantains and beans before assembling if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add more habanero hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce variety.
