Plantains With Balsamic Basil Glaze Food

BALSAMIC GLAZE

Steps:

• Mix the vinegar and sugar in a small pan over a low heat and simmer for 4-6 mins until thickened and glossy. Leave to cool (it will thicken as it cools), then transfer to an airtight jar. Will keep for up to 2 weeks. Drizzle over a caprese or green salad.

PLANTAINS WITH BALSAMIC-BASIL GLAZE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare a medium fire in the grill.
• 2. In a small saucepan over high heat, boil the vinegar to reduce its volume to 1/4 cup.
• 3. In a small bowl, combine the reduced vinegar with the butter, honey, basil, and salt. Using a whisk, vigorously whip the butter until smooth and all ingredients are blended.
• 4. With a paring knife, make a shallow cut into the curved side of each plantain lengthwise, from end to end. Repeat the process, making the second cut 1/2 inch away from the first. Remove the 1/2-inch piece of peel, then, using your fingers, gently pry away the peel from the sides of each plantain. Next, take some balsamic butter and spread generously over the entire inside of each plantain, leaving the peel on the outside intact.
• 5. Place the plantains on the outer perimeter of the grill to receive indirect heat. Grill for about 1 hour, basting with the remaining balsamic butter.
• 6. To serve, place whole plantains on a serving plate. Using a soup spoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the plantain flesh to serve individual portions.

BALSAMIC-HERB GRILLING GLAZE

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, wine, honey, oil, and half of the herbs in a small saucepan.
• Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
• Stir in remaining half of herbs; season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
• Allow to cool to room temperature.
• Brush on meat or fish during last minutes of grilling.

BALSAMIC TOMATO-BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• Prep the tomatoes, garlic, etc-- before boiling the pasta.
• Boil pasta while making the rest of the dish.
• Saute garlic in olive oil.
• Add tomatoes and cover, simmering for 7-10 minutes with the balsamic vinegar and seasonings until tomatoes fall apart.
• Cut basil leaves and toss all ingredients together, including Parmesan cheese.
• Serve additional Parmesan on the side, if desired.