Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa
**Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa** A vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the natural sweetness of plantains and the tangy freshness of mango salsa. The crispy plantain rounds provide a sturdy base for the hearty black bean and mango salsa, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
In the realm of culinary adventures, where flavors dance and traditions intertwine, a tale unfolds that gave birth to this tantalizing recipe. Once upon a time, in the heart of a bustling Caribbean market, a humble plantain and a luscious mango crossed paths. Their destiny intertwined with that of a seasoned black bean, a fiery chili pepper, and a fragrant cilantro sprig. As they embarked on a culinary journey, their flavors melded, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and vibrant notes. Inspired by this encounter, we embarked on a quest to recreate this harmonious symphony, resulting in the roasted plantain stacks with black bean and mango salsa that you savor today.
Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa Roasted Plantain Stacks with Black Bean and Mango Salsa
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and slice the plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  3. Spread the plantain rounds on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
  4. While the plantains are roasting, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To assemble the stacks, place a plantain round on a plate and top with a spoonful of the black bean and mango salsa.
  7. Repeat layers and garnish with additional cilantro.
Why It Works
  • **Crispy Plantain Rounds:** Roasting the plantains at a high temperature caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in golden brown rounds with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. This provides a sturdy base for the salsa and creates a delightful contrast in textures.
  • **Savory Black Bean and Mango Salsa:** The combination of black beans, mango, red onion, and cilantro creates a vibrant and flavorful salsa. The hearty black beans add a protein boost, while the sweet mango balances the acidity of the lime juice. The red onion provides a sharp contrast, and the cilantro brings a herbaceous freshness.
  • **Balanced Flavors:** The sweetness of the plantains, the tanginess of the salsa, and the subtle heat from the chili powder create a harmonious balance of flavors. The lime juice adds a refreshing brightness, while the cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the overall profile.