Colombian ripe plantain and cheese cake (torta de maduro)

We tried this casserole recipe, but we had only four ripe (nearly black) plantains. For the fifth, we substituted with one ripe banana and 1 tsp flour (since plantains have a higher starch content than bananas). We used an 8x8 baking dish, which we buttered. At the end of baking, we broiled on low for… Continue reading Colombian ripe plantain and cheese cake (torta de maduro)

Boiled ripe plantains

For a healthier alternative to fried plantains, we tried this recipe: http://www.livestrong.com/article/548364-how-to-cook-boiled-plantains/ Our modifications: we cut the ends off each plantain and then cut a tiny slit in the skin of each chunk prior to placing in lightly salted boiling water. We also partially covered the pot while the plantains cooked (approx. 13 mins). We… Continue reading Boiled ripe plantains

Cuban picadillo

We tried this version: http://www.panningtheglobe.com/2016/09/11/cuban-picadillo-ground-beef-stew/. Our modifications: (1) In lieu of smoked paprika, we used half paprika and smoked chipotle pepper; (2) we used golden raisins instead of black raisins; and (3) we used canned diced tomatoes instead of canned whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand. We also added a dash of sugar at the… Continue reading Cuban picadillo

Simply dressed avocado and tomato salad

We cut one avocado and half a tomato into ¼ inch slices, then drizzled with the juice of one lime, seasoned rice wine vinegar (Marukan yellow label), and olive oil. We sprinkled lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and garnished with cilantro. We loosely based this dish on delicious Peruvian sliced avocado salad… Continue reading Simply dressed avocado and tomato salad

Salvadoran chicken and vegetable soup (sopa de pollo con verduras)

Place a whole chicken (4-5 lb) in a stock pot, then add 2 cups celery (about 3-4 stalks), 1 cup cilantro (about 1 bunch), ½ cup each parsley (about ½ bunch) and spearmint, 1 roughly-cut tomato (about ½ cup), 1 large onion (rough-cut), 2 Tbsp chicken bouillon (here, Better Than Bouillon), and pour in enough… Continue reading Salvadoran chicken and vegetable soup (sopa de pollo con verduras)

Peruvian cilantro-jalapeño (aji verde) sauce

This is a healthy version that calls for nonfat plain Greek yogurt. We followed the recipe that was part of this chicken dish, except that we removed the seeds and membrane from the jalapeños before pureeing them: http://runawayapricot.com/2015/01/healthier-peruvian-chicken-skewers-with-green-sauce.html/ In case the link does not work, here are the instructions: using a food processor, combine 1… Continue reading Peruvian cilantro-jalapeño (aji verde) sauce

Peruvian-style chicken kabob with cilantro-jalapeño (aji verde) sauce

We followed this recipe for both chicken and sauce: http://runawayapricot.com/2015/01/healthier-peruvian-chicken-skewers-with-green-sauce.html/. In case the link does not work: First, the night before, cut 3 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts) into 1” chunks. Marinate the chicken chunks in: 2 Tbsp ground cumin, 2 Tbsp sweet paprika, 4 tsp (we reduced to 2 tsp)… Continue reading Peruvian-style chicken kabob with cilantro-jalapeño (aji verde) sauce

Chilean avocado celery salad

We tried this recipe, and it was delicious: http://thelatinkitchen.com/r/recipe/apio-palta-celery-avocado-salad  In case the link is not working, here is the recipe: first, trim 5 stalks celery and cut along a diagonal into 1” pieces. Place in a medium-large mixing bowl. Second, pit and cut two ripe avocados into coarse chunks (about 1” cubes). Add the avocados… Continue reading Chilean avocado celery salad