La Vegana Recipe
Sweet plantains, black beans & avocado.
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Ingredients
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Plantains
Black beans
Toppings & Assembly
Method
Plantains
- 1
Prepare plantains
Peel the ripe plantains by cutting off the ends and slicing a shallow lengthwise slit in the skin; remove the peel and slice the plantains on the diagonal into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- 2
Fry plantains
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch and heat over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Add plantain slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt while hot. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed.
Black beans
- 3
Sauté aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn't brown.
- 4
Season and simmer
Stir in the drained black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth to loosen. Gently mash about one-third of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture while keeping some whole beans for bite. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly saucy. Finish with 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Toppings & Assembly
- 5
Prepare toppings
Halve and pit the avocado, scoop into a bowl and either slice or roughly mash it with a fork. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the cilantro. If using queso fresco or vegan cheese, crumble it and set aside.
- 6
Assemble La Vegana
On each serving plate, arrange a layer of warm fried plantain slices (about half the plantains per plate). Spoon warm seasoned black beans over the plantains. Top with sliced or mashed avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Add crumbled cheese if using. Season with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
- 7
Serving suggestion
Serve immediately so the plantains remain warm and slightly crisp. This makes a hearty vegetarian main or a large appetizer to share.