Scrumptious Sunday: New Year's Bean Bowl with Fried Plantains

This Scrumptious Sunday is all about celebrating one more festive occasion--New Years Day. Well, let's be honest, I can eat this meal any time of the year. Especially the fried plantains.

But, back to how this became my New Years Day meal. I had to work on said holiday, which was rather slow. So, I spent most of my work day cleaning shelving and coming up with a recipe to make when I got home.

Do you guys do that? When you're doing a rather repetitive task, do you go somewhere else in your head and plan your dinner/grocery list/month/week/year/insert your fave planning idea here? I happily admit I do. And it usually revolves around my dinner ideas, blogging ideas, and weekly grocery list.

I do my best thinking during these times. And it was during this time I created this recipe.

It's definitely a different spin on the whole cabbage, black eyed peas for New Years thing. But it's really yummy. And makes great leftovers for the next day.

Now, it still has some cabbage in it, so there's my green....and black...beans for the peas?!?! Yes, black beans my friend. That's good luck to me. They are a "magical fruit" after all. ;)
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How did I do it? Well, I started with steamed cabbage, steamed with just water, salt, and pepper. Then, added my ingredients in an unorthodox order. I started with cabbage and beans, then my aromatics, then my seasonings. Lastly, I mixed in my plantains, the piece de resistance. And topped it all with hemp seeds. My bean bowl just went from fabulous to off the charts.

Yes, I know. It's different. Not the typical pork roast and cornbread meal by any means. But I've decided this year, I'll be more adventurous and willing to try new things.
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Consider this my first change then for the new year. See, 2017 is getting off to a good start already. Variety is the spice of life.
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Can we talk about these fried plantains? I bought the ripest plantain I could find.

How do you tell if a plantain ripe? Know how your regular bananas turn brown and get much sweeter? Same deal with a plantain. The darker the plantains are, the riper they are.

How to fry them? I mean, if you have an air fryer or even a fry daddy, then by all means use those like their instructions suggest. But, I don't have any of those gadgets, so I'm going old fashioned: large skillet, coconut oil, and plantain slices. Melt coconut oil in large skillet over medium heat. Slice plantain into thin rounds. Place plantains in a single layer in skillet and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and fry on other side, 1-3 minutes. Remove and drain on a towel. Repeat with remaining slices.

So. Darn. Good.
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So, bring it on 2017. Let's see what you got. I'm ready.....are you??

Happy New Year!!
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New Year's Bean Bowl with Fried Plantains

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