Plantain Sandwich with Caramelized Shallots

Plantain Sandwich with Caramelized Shallots

Plantain Fry

2 plantains
1 cup water
3/4 tsp salt
1.5 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp ginger garlic paste (optional)
oil

Prep- Wash the plantains and cut off both ends. Peel by lightly scraping or cutting of a thin sliver of the peel. The idea is to retain the fiber which lies just below the peel- that's the best part! Cut crosswise into 3 or four pieces and chop each piece into a couple of slabs.

Place the pieces in a vessel. Add the chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste and water. Toss so that all the pieces are coated well. Place it on the stove and allow to cook till all the water is gone and the plantains are firm but cooked through. This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.

Drizzle oil onto a pan and place the plantain pieces on it. Fry till both sides are golden brown (some people like this well browned.)Remove and place on absorbent paper.

Caramelized Shallots

4 tsp cooking oil
1.5 cups shallots, peeled
3/4 tsp sugar
a dash of lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp chopped coriander leaves and curry leaves

Combine the shallots and sugar in a pan and cook. Stir often till the shallots become light brown throughout. Transfer to an oven plate, add the lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss. Roast in an oven for 10 mins at 200 C.

Sandwich

Assemble the sandwich by placing a few slices of the plantains on toasted bread. Top with cucumber and tomato slices, freshly grated carrot and the caramelized shallots. You could also grill this instead of toasting the bread.