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Boricua Plantain Sandwich
Recipe courtesy Ivan Aviles, Holtsville, NY
Show:  Ultimate Recipe Showdown
Episode:  Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Comfort Foods
2 large green plantains (about 10 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide)
Vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cajun Spice:
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder

Cajun Steak:
4 (6-ounce) skirt steaks
6 ounces salted butter, melted
1 cup Cajun Spice

Chipolte Mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chipolte sauce

Crispy Fried Onions:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 large Spanish onion

2 cups mixed shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)

Peel plantains, cut in half widthwise and then cut in half lengthwise.

In a large pot or deep-fryer preheat vegetable oil to 325 degrees F. Add the plantains to the oil and fry for 5 minutes. Remove them and place on a flat surface. Increase heat to 375 degrees F. With a metal flat spatula press down onto the plantains until they are flat, less than 1/4-inch. Using a knife to help scrape the plantain off the spatula, deep-fry the plantains again for 3 minutes. Pull them out and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Combine the bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder to create Cajun spice.

Dip each piece of steak into 4 ounces melted butter and then into the Cajun spice, covering both sides of the steak.

Spread the remaining melted butter onto a flat top grill or metal skillet, place the steak on top and cook on both sides until medium or preferred degree of doneness. After the steak is done slice it thin against the grain.

Combine the mayonnaise and chipolte sauce to create chipolte mayonnaise.

Onions: In a mixing bowl combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Slice the onion very thinly. Place in the flour mixture. Squeeze the slices of onions as you are mixing them with the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour.

Drop a little bit of onions into 375 degree F oil at a time to prevent them from sticking together. Cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Build a sandwich by layering 1 fried plantain, about 1 tablespoon chipolte mayonnaise (spread coast to coast on bottom plantain), sliced steak, and 1/3 cup of the shredded cheese. Place under the broiler for a minute or 2 or use the microwave to melt cheese. Then continue layering 1/2 cup of fried onion, 1 more tablespoon chipolte mayonnaise, spread coast to coast on top plantain, fried plantain. Cut sandwich in half before serving.

Other Recipes from this Episode
Squash Sandwiches
Ultimate Veggie Chili
Black and Tan Irish Mac and Cheddar
Spanish Influenced Chili with Collard Wrapped Pork, Chorizo and Sweet and Smoky Paprikas
French Onion "Soup" Mac and Cheese
Pepita Crusted Cheddar Jack Southwest Chicken Mac
Mexitana Ancho-Lamb Chili
Germany's Version of the "South Philly Cheese Steak with a Twist"

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Difficult
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

User Rating 4 Stars
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