Have you tried a new fruit or vegetable lately?
I hope you have! If you haven’t please do! I think you’ll find some amazingly delicious and nutritious treats out there! I know we’re all so busy and usually on auto-pilot whether we are at the local market or even the farmer’s market. We eat those “tried and true” favorites! I usually look for fruits and vegetable I'm not familiar with, it's like a treasure hunt!
Well this week, I have another healthy treasure to share
Are you familiar with this little gem? The Plantain…
a very important staple food for many living in tropical countries. Unlike the common sweet banana plantains are almost always cooked before eating. In fact they’re horrible raw! Plantains are high in fiber and very nutritious! They’re rich in vitamins A, C and B6, potassium and magnesium. They’re great for your heart and being a complex carbohydrate they’re great for your waistline!
Another Superfood! Plantains to the Rescue!
Spicy Mojo Tostones!
Tostones
- Green Plantains
- Garlic Powder
- Sea Salt/Pepper
Spicy Mojo Dipping Sauce
- Avocado
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Parsley
- Jalapeno
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Pistachios or Walnuts
Spicy Mojo First…
by throwing everything but the pistachios into your favorite food processor. Pulse away until everything is well combined. Add the nuts and pulse again until you like the consistency. If you want a thinner dipping sauce add a little water until you get the best consistency. Now into the fridge to chill!
Now to the Plantains…
we slice the plantain into 1 “ slices and then peel the slices. It takes a minute or so, but you can do it.
Into the Frying Pan…
Browning each side, about 3 minutes each side. When the plantains are golden brown transfer them to drain on toweling.
Without Burning yourself…
flatten each plantain between the layers of a piece of parchment. You can use a wooden spoon, your hand, whatever works for you! Remember, they’re hot, hot!
Back to the Fire…
to cook for another couple of minutes on each side. We want these guys nicely browned and crisp! When they’re done, drain again, sprinkle with a bit of garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Grab the Spicy Mojo Sauce and start dipping!
This is a popular dish in many tropical areas. We love them! The plantains have a very mild flavor but paired with this sauce…watch out! I hope you’ll try this! Make sure you use green plantains for this dish.
Even if you don’t try this recipe I do hope you’ll take a moment to try a new fruit or vegetable this week! You’ll be glad you did, and your family will love you for it! Thanks for stopping by the Bird nest!
And as always, blessings to you all
