Equatorial Guinea-inspired Spicy Plantain Tacos

Ingredients

In this Equatorial Guinea adaptation of tacos, we replace the traditional meat filling with sautéed plantains to add a unique twist. The spices used in the filling are inspired by Equatorial Guinea's love for bold flavors, incorporating cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin. Additionally, the salsa is prepared with Equatorial Guinea's preferred ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, to infuse the dish with a refreshing and tangy element. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (about 600g) 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (about 600g)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (240g) 1 cup diced tomatoes (240g)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (80g) 1/2 cup diced onions (80g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (15g) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (15g)
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced plantains to the skillet and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked plantains, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa.
6. 6.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. 7.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the spicy plantains onto each tortilla and top with a generous spoonful of the salsa.
8. 8.
   Serve the Equatorial Guinea-inspired Spicy Plantain Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Ensure that the plantains are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture and flavor in the tacos.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the plantain filling.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mixture.
• Customize your tacos by adding toppings such as avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream.
• If you can't find small tortillas, you can use larger ones and fold them in half to create a pocket for the filling.
• Leftover plantain filling can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed as a side dish or added to salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Plantain Tacos with a side of Equatorial Guinea-inspired black bean and corn salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a vibrant platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an appealing presentation.