MASHED PLANTAINS WITH FRIED EGGS (MANGÚ DE PLÁTANOS)

Serves: 2

■ 2 large plantains, peeled and cut in half lengthwise

■ 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

■ 1/4 cup (60 mL) white vinegar

■ 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or unsalted butter, divided 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt

■ 1/4 tsp (1 mL) freshly cracked pepper

■ 2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil

■ 2 eggs

■ 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the plantains and boil until fork-tender, about 25 minutes. Drain the plantains, reserving 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cooking water.

2. Meanwhile, place the red onion in a small bowl and cover with the vinegar.

3. Transfer the plantains to a medium bowl and add the reserved cooking water, 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Mash the plantains to the consistency of mashed potatoes.

4. In a medium frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Drain the red onions and discard the vinegar. Add the onions to the pan and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

5. In the same pan (no need to wipe clean), heat the remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil over medium heat.

6. Carefully crack the eggs into the pan, leaving space between each egg. Cook for

3-4 minutes, or until the whites are cooked and no longer translucent and the yolks are still runny. (I prefer the eggs over easy for this dish.)

7. To serve, divide the mashed plantain between plates and top with a fried egg, cooked onions and a few slices of avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Note: Plantains are native to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. They're a member of the banana family, but starchier and lower in sugar, with a flavour similar to potatoes. You can find them at most large grocery stores, near the potatoes and squash.