Lingue di Procida with a Central African Twist

Ingredients

In the original Italian recipe, Lingue di Procida is typically filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and sometimes seafood. In this adaptation, we replace the traditional filling with a savory mixture of mashed plantains, onions, garlic, and spices, inspired by Central African cuisine. This modification adds a unique twist to the dish, infusing it with the vibrant flavors of the target cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Lingue di Procida, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta shells 250g (8.8 oz) pasta shells
• 3 ripe plantains 3 ripe plantains
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying Olive oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 75g, 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, then drain and mash them.
4. 4.
   In a pan, heat some olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Add the mashed plantains, ground ginger, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix well and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with a spoonful of the plantain mixture. Close the shell gently, ensuring the filling is secure inside.
7. 7.
   Place the filled pasta shells in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells are golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Serve the Lingue di Procida with a Central African twist hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with black spots on the skin for a sweeter flavor and easier mashing.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the plantain mixture.
• Serve the Lingue di Procida with a side of fresh tomato salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Lingue di Procida with a Central African twist as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley, for an appealing presentation.