Plantain Beef Boats

By Lisa VanWilliams

Hop on the boat to flavor town.  I am definitely going to have add this to my repertoire of delicious recipes.  The cinnamon compliments the sweet plantain in a very flavorful way and they go great together. This recipe will yield two boats !

2 plantains peeled (ripe ones yellow and black -looks like over ripe banana)
1/2 pd ground beef
1 tablespoon butter
dash of olive oil
salt & pepper
1/2 any color pepper
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
2-3 scallions
Some cilantro
Cheese to sprinkle over (I used Mexican blend)



Line the pan with some aluminum and put the plantains on. Split the butter up between the two.
Cook the plantains in 400 degree oven for 15-20 mins on each side until they turn a gold brown caramelized color.  They should look like this.

In the meantime, add the olive oil and garlic to a pan and start cooking your beef.  Salt & pepper the meat and add your peppers. Once the meat is cooked, drain it and add back to the pan. Add the cumin, cinnamon, and tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few mins. When your just about done add in the scallions and cilantro.

Take your plantains and cut them down the middle and push open the plantain with a spoon so you can fill it up. Split the meat between the two, sprinkle with cheese and put them back into the oven until melted.  DELICIOUS !!