A delightful blend of flavors and textures featuring golden plantains, toasted pecans, and millet, topped with a sweet parsley vinaigrette.
A delightful blend of flavors and textures featuring golden plantains, toasted pecans, and millet, topped with a sweet parsley vinaigrette.
Ripe Yellow Plantains
each
tablespoons
teaspoons
Pearl Millet, soaked in water plus 1 tablespoon vinegar overnight
cups
cups
Chopped Pecans, toasted
cups
Minced Parsley
tablespoons
Sweet Parsley Vinaigrette
to taste
to taste
cups
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Plantains
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice off the ends of the plantains, score the peel along the ridges, and remove the strips. Cut the plantains into quarters lengthwise and then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss and Roast Plantains
Toss the plantain pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 0.25 teaspoons of kosher salt until well coated. Spread the plantains evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
3. Toast and Cook Millet
Drain the soaked millet. In a medium saucepan, toast the millet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Add 2 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoons of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the millet is tender.
4. Rinse and Drain Millet
Remove the cooked millet from heat and transfer it to a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
5. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained millet with the toasted pecans, minced parsley, and roasted plantains. Add half of the Sweet Parsley Vinaigrette and gently toss until well mixed.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the salad and season with additional vinaigrette, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with parsley leaves before serving.
Choose plantains that are yellow with black spots; they are at the perfect stage of ripeness for a balance of sweetness and structural integrity.
Plate the salad carefully, using a wide bowl or platter, and garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an even roast.
Use a high smoke point oil for frying plantains and slice them on the diagonal for better searing and caramelization.
Rinse the millet thoroughly before cooking and use a 1:2 millet to water (or broth) ratio. Let it sit covered after cooking to steam.
Comments (0)