Plantains and green figs are a mainstay of our West Indian diet. They are cousins to the banana but they do not ripen in the same way, do not taste the same, and certainly cannot be eaten in its raw state.
Plantains are very versatile fruit as they can be cooked through all stages of ripeness. Green figs are usually eaten green, boiled, in salads, souses and crushed with butter, milk and cheese. Both of these bananas are a good source of potassium, folate, vitamins C and B6, and a very good source of vitamin A. Green figs also are high in iron.
Here's a little plantain trivia: Plantains themselves are not indigenous to the West Indies but were brought to the islands by missionaries and cultivated. Slave rations of food at that time were not great but did include some plantain.
Each slave received one or two bunches as a week's worth of provisions. They used plantains to make many things, even wine. They ate plantains mostly boiled and fried. The leaves were used to make paper and also as a receptacle for steaming foods. A tradition that still continues today.
GREEN FIG SALAD
Ingredients
12 green figs
4 cloves garlic minced
1 onion, finely sliced
1/2 hot pepper seeded and finely chopped
1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint or parsley.
Method
Place green figs in a non reactive heavy sauce pan, add a little oil and boil for about 15 minute until tender. Remove, cool and peel. Slice.
In a food processor combine garlic, Congo pepper, vinegar, lime juice, mustard, salt and pepper, puree until smooth. Add olive oil and process until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth.
Toss green figs with vinaigrette, add onions and green and red peppers, toss again, sprinkle on fresh herbs and serve.
Serves 4-6
PLANTAIN BREAD
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped chives
1 cup mashed ripe plantain
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream or
(1/4 milk combined with 1 tsp vinegar)
pinch nutmeg
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Method
Preheat oven to 375F
Place flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and chives in a mixing bowl.
Beat eggs and combine with sour cream, and plantain.
Add to dry mixture, stir just to combine.
Place mixture into a 9 inch square baking tin, sprinkle with black pepper and cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until risen and golden.
Serves 6 to 8
GREEN FIG PIE
Ingredients
12 green figs
2 tbs butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bread crumbs
Method
Boil figs in plenty of water, peel and crush with a potato crusher.
Now using and electric mixer add the milk and butter to the figs and beat until smooth, you may need a little more milk, add some cheese, season with salt and pepper.
Place in an oven proof dish, combine crumbs with a little salt and cheese. Sprinkle onto figs and broil until golden.
