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Mashed Plantains with Leeks and Fresh Herbs

4.1

(4)

This slightly sweet mash tastes great with roast pork or lamb.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

7 cups water
1 cup low-salt chicken broth
4 unpeeled large semi-ripe (yellow-black) plantains, ends trimmed, each cut crosswise into thirds
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large leek (white and pale green parts only), finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 7 cups water and broth to boil in heavy large pot. Add plantains. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer until plantains are very tender and yellow-orange (some may begin to come out of peel), about 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Cool plantains 10 minutes. Remove peel using hands or small paring knife. Transfer plantains to large glass bowl. Add 1/2 cup of reserved cooking liquid and mash plantains until smooth, adding more liquid by tablespoonfuls to thin mixture, if desired. Set aside.

    Step 2

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leek and sauté until tender but not browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in thyme and parsley. Add leek mixture to mashed plantains; stir to blend. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Microwave on high until heated through before continuing.)

    Step 3

    Mix sour cream and cumin into hot plantains. Season with salt and pepper. Cut 2 tablespoons butter into small cubes. Scatter butter and pecans over; serve.

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