Irresistible: Platanos en Tentacion - Drunken Plantains with Wine and Vodka 
Just imagine your shock after following the trace of green plantain's skins all over the house, only to discover that your little Hannibal the Cannibal has eaten the plantains you planned to cook for dinner. I missed that how-to-live-a-wonderful-life class where they talked about having a Basset Hound as a companion. Do not get me wrong, ...they are the most loving creatures. But, they are libertarian anarchists with droopy sad eyes that would make you cry and hug them before the thought of a sweet, caught-you-red-pawed spanking (...with a feather) crosses your mind.
Today, hoping that your beloved pet didn't eat your plantains, we have one delicious and easy to prepare recipe for you: Plátanos en Tentación (Drunken Plantains with wine and vodka). If you are plantain crazy, check out my previous post: Patacones 101 - Tostones (EN/ES) Twice Fried Plantains!
Traditionally, "plátanos en tentación" are prepared with rum or vanilla here in Panama. I still remember from my childhood the "red" saucy plantains which were prepared with strawberry soft drink. I don't have the foggiest idea of where that culinary inspiration came from!
In Colombia they are cooked in coconut milk and served with cheese (queso costeño) and a drizzle of molasses. In Cuba they are prepared with brown sugar, white sugar, spices to taste and a hint of dry white wine (called "vino seco," although it tastes more like vinegar to me!). There are many more variations of this dish from country to country in Latin America, which one is your favorite?
It was great news when I discovered a more adventurous way of preparing it during my latest trip to the South American Wine Country. It was at the "Los Cerros de San Juan Winery" in Montevideo, Uruguay where we experienced it in a scrumptious delicate sauce made with red wine, vodka and fruit juice. Lovely.
This winery is one of South America's oldest wineries, it has been operating since 1854. Walking through its many ancient cellars, I found myself lost in time. The unique aromas, perfuming the trapped air with such peculiarity, have been engraved in my memory...in slow motion, to make sure I would never forget them. How could I if by the end of my wine trip in Argentina and Uruguay last year, I felt like a ghost traveling without barriers of time or distance, the paradise we know sometimes as the perfect winery?
OK, now...back to the recipe:
Cut 2 "yellow" plantains in 3" pieces. Saute them in a little butter until they reach a nice golden color. Add 1/2 cup red wine, 1/2 cup orange juice and 1 cup of water to the plantains. They should be covered in liquid, if not, complete with fruit juice or water. Mix in 1/4 cup sugar, 1-2 cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves and a pinch of salt. Cook at low heat until the liquid is reduced to 1/3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter (optional) and 1 tablespoon of vodka. Combine well and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm.
Serving suggestion: asado or your favorite meat, salad and rice dish. Enjoy!
Related posts in the foodie blogosphere:
- Pastelón de Plátano (Ripe plantain pie) - The cooking adventures of Chef Paz
- Plantain Curry (Arati Kaya Kura) - Mahanandi
- Baked Rummy Plantains with Cinnamon Gelato - Habeas Brulee
- by Chef Melissa
- April 30, 2007
- 12:35 pm
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- ‘Bobó de Camarão’ Camarones en Salsa Cremosa de Yuca
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- La Receta del Dia: CEVICHE DE PESCADO, Panamanian style
- La Receta del Dia: Fiesta Lobster Lasagna
Comments
04.30.07 at 10:45 PM |
I never had my cat eat my plantains, though she licks my bread on occasion, must be the salt?
I love roasted maduro’s with cheese especially a great St. Andre!
I have actually made Ecuadorian Bolon with American smoked bacon and French cheese and it marries quite well!
Great site!
——-
05.01.07 at 08:07 AM |
Hola Jeremy! I have never had cats, but while I was in California one of my clients mention their cat loved hot sauce, can you believe that? Apparently the cat was begging for food one night and they thought that by giving him a taste of hot sauce will send him away, but no! He became addicted to it. LOL!
Oh yes, maduros with cheese…a great marriage! I remember that people in Venezuela also eat it like that, baked!
Have a tasty Tuesday!
Melissa
05.01.07 at 11:32 AM |
Hola Melissa!
Our other cat used to eat watermelon, as soon as we sliced it she was ready for some, the funniest was seeing her mouth covered in juice!
Happy cooking,
05.03.07 at 01:51 AM |
Lucky the hound ate them before the vodka! They sound utterly seductive.
05.03.07 at 08:26 AM |
Thank God they do not like alcohol! LOL
05.04.07 at 05:34 AM |
si tomo una de esta receta seguro que me emborracho jajaja , , buen post
05.16.07 at 09:16 PM |
LOL! Hannibal actually ate the plantains!? haha! My dogs act like I never feed them. If they were there with Hannibal, they would have joined him in eating the plantain.
I love the name of this plantain recipe. You know it’s on my list to make!
Paz
05.17.07 at 08:19 AM |
Buenos días Paz! oh-yes, he actually ate most of the plantains—-he is quite a character. The funny part is that he would only eat green plantains, and Silky Lu (the weimaraner) loves ripe bananas
One day we shoud do a banana party with all the doggies
Have a great day!
Melissa
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