GREENSBORO, N.C. — Natasha Ford is a celebrity chef who has appeared on the Food Network's Cut Throat Kitchen and ABC's The Taste. To find more of her recipes, sign up for a cooking class, and to learn more about her, just visit her website natashachef.com.
Fried Plantains with Barbadian Garlic & Pepper Sauce Aioli
Yield 1.5 cups
Ingredients
2 sweet or green plantains- your choice
1-2 cups of canola oil for frying
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 to 3 garlic pods ¼ Cup Extra-virgin olive oil
Pepper Sauce Aioli
¼ tsp old bay seasoning
1 sprinkle salt and pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp Barbadian pepper sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Garnish with parsley leaves (optional)
Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Take the whole heads of garlic and cut the tops off to expose the garlic cloves.
2. Place on a large piece of aluminum foil and drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap up the foil into a tight pouch, and then place in the oven and roast for 35 to 45 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Squeeze the pulp from the skins (you'll need 1/3 cup).
4. In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic, and all the ingredients together until well combines and smooth. Place in a container and refrigerate until it is ready to be used.
5. Cut the plantains into ¼ inch round slices- if using green plantains, you must soak in salt water for about 10 mins then pat dry before frying
6. In a frying pan heat the oil until it starts to ripple about 300 degrees, and add the plantains in the Pan one at a time.
7. Flip the plantains over the other side after it’s brown about 5 mins each side.
8. Remove each plantain once done and let it cool on a plate with a paper towel to remove some of the oil.
9. Salt lightly when it is still hot. Serve with Bajan Aioli.
Bajan Cod Fish Cakes
Ingredients
2 tbsp Canola or Refined Coconut Oil
1 C Onions finely minced
1-1 ½ C A/P Flour- can sub and use gluten free a/p
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Salt
1 Egg Lightly Beaten
1 tbsp Butter, melted
1/2 C Milk
1 tbsp Parsley minced
½ lb (pound) salted cod fish cooked until most the salt is gone and flakes
1 tsp Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Peppers finely minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
2-3 Cups of Canola or Refined Coconut Oil
Procedure
In a frying pan, heat the oil and sautéed the onions until they are translucent and then remove from the heat. Meanwhile in a bowl stir the flour, baking powder and salt and make a little well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg butter and milk. Mix together well and then add the cooked onions. Next add the fish, parsley, peppers and stir well with a fork or spatula.
Pour the 2-3 cups of oil in a deep frying pan or a pot and bring to a medium to high heat. Dip an actual tablespoons tool or use a ¼ ounce ice-cream scoop in the oil and then in the batter and level off. Pour the one tablespoon measurement in the batter. Only drop a few at a time do not crowd the pan as the fish fritter will begin to roll. Cook for about 3-4 mins until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove from fire and drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot or on top of the pepper sauce aioli.