A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Piononos are golden rolls of ripe plantain wrapped around a core of savory beef picadillo, a study in sweet-and-savory contrast. The plantain strips are fried until caramelized, then coiled around the filling and fried again until the edges turn crisp. Bite-sized and irresistible, they are a favorite at parties and family dinners.
Piononos
A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Piononos are golden rolls of ripe plantain wrapped around a core of savory beef picadillo, a study in sweet-and-savory contrast.

Step by stepInstructions
- Make the picadillo: cook the beef with the sofrito, tomato sauce, adobo and olives until dry, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cheese and let cool.
- Cut each plantain lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the plantain strips until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Drain and let cool just until handleable.
- Wrap a strip around a generous tablespoon of picadillo in a coil, secure with a toothpick, and repeat.
- Fry the piononos in the hot oil until deep golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes, turning once. Drain, remove the toothpicks, and serve hot.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Use plantains that are ripe but still firm, with yellow skins just starting to spot. The filling can be prepared a day ahead so assembly is quick.

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