Canoas de Platano (Plantain Canoes)

     The other day I was looking in a box where I have all the recipes I been writing for many years. I found a folder with my plantain recipes and I thought it would be a good idea to share a recipe that uses ripe plantains. In this recipe you are going to learn how you can transform a plantain in a complete meal.

      The first recipe I want to share with you is called "Canoas de platano" (Plantains Canoes). This recipe is both savory and sweet due to the natural sweetness of ripe plantains. When you bite into it, your mouth will feel a myriad of flavors and textures.

                       
                               
Ingredients:

 4 ripe plantains, peeled
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

  Stewed ground beef, refer to Stew ground beef recipe

 Preheat the oven at 350°F

 Make a long cut on the peel of the plantain. With the table knife push away the peel from the skin of the plantain.
Make a long cut on the top stopping 1/4 inch from the bottom.
Proceed to shape the plantain like it canoe.


 To avoid overcooking the meat bake the plantain in oven first for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size and ripeness of the plantain.

 Fill the plantain with the meat. Sprinkle the cheese over the meat and broil for about 3 minutes.

 Serving suggestion:

 In a bed of white rice or alone.

 Note:

 When you buy the ripe plantains for this recipe look for ones with yellow peels but firm to the touch.

 In my original recipe I filled the plantain with the meat and topped it with the cheese before baking. However, 30 minutes in the oven is too much for already cooked meat. That's why I decided to change my recipe a little bit.  Baking the plantains first allows the meat to remain flavorful and moist. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Surullitos fritos (corn sticks with cheese)

Surullitos fritos(corn sticks with cheese)

Image
      Fried corn sticks or (surullitos de maiz con queso) are one of the most popular appetizers in Puerto Rico. The combination of fine cornmeal and sharp cheddar cheese give them a crunchy texture and unique flavor. Serve them at your next party and your guests are going to be pleased.                                                              dessertsandgoodfood.blogspot.com Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups fine corn flour  1 1/2 shredded sharp cheddar cheese  Oil to fry 1 cup of water at room temperature   in a small bowl In a medium saucepan over high heat add the water, salt, butter and bring to a boil. In a heat resistant bowl add the corn flour and the cheese and mix well. Carefully pour the boiling water over the flou...
Read more

Vanilla Flan

Image
     This is the first flan recipe that I learned how to make. It is simple, delicious with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Use the best vanilla you can find it is worth it.                    This photo was taken a few years ago when I was in culinary school. That day the teacher wanted everybody to bring something from home to share an I was so happy that everybody loved my flan including my teacher.               Ingredients: 1 can condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup of heavy cream 4 eggs 4 eggs yolks 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 Caramel recipe, refer to the post of  'Caramel for flan or bread pudding' 1- 8 x 8 x 2 cake pan 1 large roasting pan for (Bain Marie) Carefully pour the caramel into the cake pan and coat the bottom and the sides of the pan with the caramel. Set aside to cool.   Combine the condensed milk and evaporated ...
Read more

Coquito Ice Cream

Image
 The inspiration for this this lovely and refreshing ice cream comes from Puerto Rico's traditional drink for Christmas called Coquito. Rich, smooth and creamy this delightful ice cream is a perfect match for summer hot weather.                                                          Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream 4 egg yolks 2 tablespoon granulated sugar pinch of salt 1 cinnamon stick 1 can condensed milk 1 can coconut milk 2 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of nutmeg  1 tablespoon coconut rum(optional) In a small saucepan mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Add the heavy cream, the cinnamon stick, a pinch of salt then mix until combined.  Heat the mixture over simmering water stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or until it thickens enough to coat a back of the spoon (nape).  Remove from the heat and c...
Read more