PLANTAIN GRATIN

I was watching "Everyday Exotic" hosted by Roger Mooking on the Food Network the other night and he created this dish which is so colourful and SO different from anything that I have cooked in the past, that I just had to try it! I have never eaten, nor cooked with plantains so unfortunately my first attempt was disasterous as the plantains were too unripe. However I persevered, bought more and let them blacken on my countertop...the results were miles better!!

PLANTAIN GRATIN

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup water

1/2 stick of cinnamon

1 shallot, sliced into 1/4" pieces

2 jalapenos, seeded and sliced into 1/4" pieces

1 tbsp sugar

salt

4 ripe plantain, peeled, and sliced in half lengthwise

1 tsp vegetable oil

1 cup aged white cheddar, grated

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

salt

• In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and boil for approximately 1 minute. Add the shallot, jalapenos, sugar and salt to taste. Take off the heat and let sit for 15 minutes before removing the cinnamon and draining. Set aside the pickled topping.
• Preheat oven to broil
• Place the halved plantain in a baking dish, drizzle with the vegetable oil and season with salt. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly caramelized.
• Place the cheese and green onions over the plantains, broil in the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with pickled topping and cilantro.
• ENJOY!

**This is a really unique side dish that held up fabulously against the meatloaf leftover from dinner a few nights ago!