RECIPE: Plantain Lasagna with Spanish Rice
With an eye towards all the health goals we've held on to through January, here's a whole new way to look at lasagna! With a bit of spice and zero gluten, Jordan Cabatic serves up yet another delicious way to prepare venison that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Jordan Cabatic
Ingredients
- 1 pack Maui Nui ground venison
- 4 ripened plantains (not too soft)
- 20 oz tomato sauce
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, remove seeds, finely chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro, finely mince stems only
- 1/4 cup pimento olives (optional)
- 2 cups preferred shredded cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp annatto powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 limes
- neutral oil
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°
Cut a slit down the backside of each plantain and carefully remove the peels. Slice plantains in half lengthwise and then lightly salt both sides of each plantain.
Set a large pan on medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Once the oil is hot, fry both sides of the plantains to a golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove fried plantains from the skillet and set aside.
Adjust heat to medium-low. Then add onions, jalapenos, and cilantro stems, continuously stirring for about 4-5 minutes.
Next, add ground venison and cook until browned.
To the pan, add dry seasonings, tomato sauce, and olives. Allow to cook for 5 minutes or until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
In a large casserole dish, coat the bottom with a bit of meat sauce—place plantains in a single layer. Pour remaining meat sauce over plantains and top with shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Remove foil, and place under high broil for about 1-2 minutes until the top layer is crisped.
Garnish with cilantro and squeezed lime, and add additional toppings (e.g., sour cream, hot sauce). Serve with Spanish rice. Enjoy!