PLANTAINS WITH JAMMY TOMATOES AND EGGS

Plantains With Jammy Tomatoes and Eggs image

Plantains are nutrient-rich starches that can sweeten as they cook, and, in many parts of the world, they find their way into the best stews and porridges. This recipe is based on "tomato eggs," a dish popular in Lagos, Nigeria, and across West Africa. Tomato eggs can be made with yams or plantains, and here, firm yellow plantains work best because they hold their shape and texture while absorbing the flavors of the surrounding stew. It's a perfect meal for days when you want something hot but not too heavy or filling. Any herbs you have on hand will work well, and the dish can be made vegan by substituting eggs for medium-firm or soft tofu. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories brunch, dinner, lunch, weekday, weeknight, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

2 firm yellow plantains (about 1 pound)
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
1 Scotch bonnet pepper or 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh herbs, such as dill or flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

Cut off the ends of each plantain. Use a sharp knife to slice the peel along the length of each plantain without cutting into the flesh. Remove peels and discard. Cut each plantain into 2-to-3-inch-long pieces, and then cut each piece in half lengthwise.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium until it shimmers. Place the plantains in the skillet with the long cut side down. Sear until the cut sides are deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the plantains to a plate and set aside.
Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the roasted red peppers and bay leaf, and drop in the Scotch bonnet pepper. Season to taste with salt. Cook, stirring, until the liquid from the roasted peppers evaporates, about 2 minutes.
Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their liquid. Use a spatula to carefully break the tomatoes into smaller pieces in the skillet. Fill the can with 1 cup water, swirl to rinse it and pour the liquid into the skillet. Raise the heat to high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce, stirring occasionally, until thickened and about three-quarters its original volume, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt if necessary.
Reduce the heat to medium and return the plantains to the skillet, nestling each piece in the sauce seared side up until almost submerged. Cook until the plantains are just soft and the tomatoes are jammy, 4 to 6 minutes. When you poke the plantains with a fork, there should be little resistance.
Remove and discard the bay leaf and Scotch bonnet pepper. Make four wells in the sauce, spaced out evenly, and gently crack the eggs into the wells one at a time. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Cook until the whites of the eggs are set and the yolks runny, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the herbs and serve immediately.