Plantain and Corn Stacks with Creamy Black Beans and Cilantro Avocado Sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little of the olive oil.

2. 2

   Place the plantain slices in a bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them on the tray and bake for 18 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the red onion and the garlic, and cook for 3 minutes until softened.

4. 4

   Add the black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, lightly mashing some of the beans with a spoon to create a creamy texture. Adjust with black pepper and keep warm.

5. 5

   In another skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn and the remaining red onion, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the corn is lightly golden. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.

6. 6

   Add the pre-cooked cornmeal, egg, half of the crumbled cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon lime zest, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to the corn bowl. Mix well until you have a thick mixture.

7. 7

   Shape the corn mixture into 8 compact mounds on a small tray or oven-safe plate. Bake at 220 °C / 425 °F for 10 to 12 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.

8. 8

   For the sauce, place the avocado, plain yogurt, remaining cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, the water, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy and smooth.

9. 9

   To assemble each serving, place one roasted plantain slice on the plate, top with a spoonful of creamy black beans, and then add one baked corn patty. Repeat once more to create a two-layer stack.

10. 10

    Finish with the cilantro avocado sauce on top or on the side, sprinkle with the remaining crumbled cheese, and serve immediately with extra drops of lime juice if desired.