Costarican Fried Plantains With Guacamole And Nectarine Salsa

Something I fell in love with in Costa Rica ( other than the coffee :p) was the plantains! I have never had them like this before, they are do delicious and packed with nutrients! I once had them before but they were cooked when the plantain was still under ripe. They work a lot different than a banana surprisingly haha. yellow = not ripe , Black = ripe! hahah You can cook them before they start to blacken of course but I find it has a chalky and mild taste. When they are ripe they make an amazing aroma and caramelise naturally in the pan. Hope you enjoy this simple yet delicious meal!

INGREDIENTS: 

PLANTAIN PATTIES:

- 1 ripe plantain ( make sure it is starting to turn brown/black on the outside)

- Olive oil for frying

- salt and pepper to taste

GUACAMOLE:

- 1 ripe avocado

- 1 garlic clove

- 1 jalapeño pepper ( the more seeds you add in the hotter it will be , so start with less!)

- 1/2 fresh squeezed lime

- salt and pepper to taste

NECTARINE SALSA:

- 1 ripe nectarine

- 1 vine ripe tomato

- 1/2 fresh squeezed lime

- 1/4 red onion minced

- small hand full of cilantro minced

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tsp Chili powder

DIRECTIONS:

-Peel the plantain and slice into 1/2 inch rounds. Place in a frying pan with olive oil heated to medium heat. 

- Fry for 2 min on each side then remove and place in 2 clusters between 2 sheets of tin foil. Using a bowl or something flat, carefully press down on the plantains flattening them into patties.

- Return patties to the frying pan. Cook for 4 min on the first side and then 3 on the second ( or until they start to caramelise.

- While plantains are cooking prepare the guacamole. 

- Peel the avocado and mash into a bowl, add in minced garlic clove jalapeño pepper . lime juice and salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

- check the plantains, once finished cooking to desired liking remove and place between paper towel to soak up excess oil.

- Next prepare the nectarine salsa, chop all ingredients into small bits. Toss in a bowl with lime juice , and spices.

- Places everything on a plate and serve. You can use the plantains as a base to top with all the guacamole and salsa you like, ENJOY!