Mashed Plantains With Chorizo Fufu Food

MASHED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Combine 3 chopped ripe plantains in a saucepan with 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspon kosher salt. Cover with water and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid. Mash the plantains. Brown 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet, 6 to 10 minutes. Mix into the plantains; add enough of the reserved liquid until creamy. Season with salt, pepper and ground cinnamon.

STOVETOP FUFU

Steps:

• Combine the cocoyam fufu flour and 1 cup cold water in a small pot (see Cook's Note). With a sturdy wooden spoon, stir until the mixture is combined and has a silky-smooth texture without any lumps. Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously with the wooden spoon, until the mixture starts to solidify and thicken, 1 to 2 minutes. Once it thickens, use the spoon to knead the fufu in the pot until it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot and becomes one mass, about 2 minutes
• Add 1/3 cup water to the fufu, cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bring the water to a boil. Remove the lid and use the wooden spoon to continuously knead the fufu in the pot until the water cooks off. Continue to knead for 1 minute more. Repeat the process of adding water and kneading 2 more times.
• To test for doneness, dip the wooden spoon in water and gently touch it to the fufu. The fufu should have a glossy appearance and should not stick to the spoon. If it is still sticky, make another addition of water and knead it until the water is absorbed. Then test the fufu with a wet spoon again.
• Line a medium plate with plastic wrap and sprinkle it with cold water. Dip the wooden spoon in water, then use it to scoop the fufu onto the plastic wrap. Mold the fufu into a ball by twisting the 4 ends of the plastic wrap together clockwise, then untwist the ends counterclockwise to release the fufu. Transfer the fufu to a small bowl and serve with the soup or stew of your choice.

FUFU

Steps:

• Cut the ends off the plantains and discard. Slice each plantain into 2-inch chunks and score the skins with a knife along one edge. (Do not remove the peel.) Combine the plantains with the chicken stock in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover and simmer until tender.
• Cut the pork into approximately 1-inch cubes. Season with salt, and place in a large sauce pan. Add enough water to just barely cover the pork. Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, until all of the water has boiled away and the pork begins to fry in the rendered fat. Continue to cook just until brown but not crispy. (The meat should be tender and stringy.)
• Remove the fully cooked plantains from the broth, reserving the broth. Peel the plantains. Mash the plantains with a little of the broth, just enough to make a soft paste, like mashed potatoes.
• Mash together the plantains, garlic and lemon juice. Mix in the pork and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish the top with the remaining bacon and green onions and serve hot.

BELIZEAN FU-FU (MASHED PLANTAIN)

Steps:

• Plantains are ripe when the skin turns black and they are soft to the touch. Peel the plantain and cut in half. (I've found it easiest to peel by scoring the skin with a knife in several spots before attempting to peel).
• Put plantain in a pot covered with water and boil until soft (I have no idea on the time, will update the recipe after I try it).
• Drain water and mash in pot with a potato masher.
• Add butter and salt as to taste.

PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH CHORIZO AND FU FU

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the plantains and slice a slit into the skin on two sides. Cut the plantains into 1 inch pieces, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes. Remove from the water and use a sharp knife to peel the skin away. Place the plantain pieces in a pot with 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and mash the plantains in a potato ricer or with a potato masher. Add a bit of cooking liquid to loosen, then add the butter, garlic, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper and hold, keeping warm, until ready to use.
• Clean the scallops of the connective muscle, and rinse lightly. Drain and pat dry.
• Combine the flour, pimenton, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow bowl.
• Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Dust the scallops in the flour-pimenton mixture, add them to the skillet and sauté until lightly browned on one side. Turn and cook the second side. Add the chorizo and cook several more minutes. Stir in the drained raisins.
• Place a spoonful of mashed plantains on each plate, and top with several scallops and some of the raisins and chorizo. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves and pistachios and serve.