In this installment we'll examine some delicious ways to prepare terrestrial plantains (Plantago species). Remember, before making any preparation, choose only fresh, organic plantains, free of toxins or chemicals and clean thoroughly.
Wild greens with ground elk burger, Stilton cheese crumbles and smoked chipotle pepper sauce:
A celebration of colors, bold flavors and textures, this complex and robust salad is a healthy meal in and of itself.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh English plantains (washed thoroughly)
2 cups spring salad mix (baby red and green romaine and oak leaf lettuces, endive, radicchio, arugula, red and green chard, spinach, etc.)
4 large Basil leaves
1 large organic or heirloom tomato
8 oz. ground elk meat (or substitute with ground venison)
2 tbsp. olive oil
6 tbsp. Stilton blue cheese (or your favorite blue cheese)
1 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos (a healthy soy sauce alternative)
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Smoked chipotle pepper sauce
Preparation (10 minutes) Makes two servings:
In a cast iron skillet, heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Season the ground elk meat with sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste then pan-fry until golden brown.
Remove from heat, crumble onto a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Finely chop the English plantains and Basil leaves.
Arrange the spring salad mix with slices of tomato.
Place the warm nuggets of elk meat in the center of the bed and sprinkle on the Stilton.
Garnish with English plantains and Basil leaves, a light shower of Bragg Liquid Aminos and a dash of fresh ground black pepper and chipotle pepper sauce to taste.
Blanched English Plantains:
Very simple, yet absolutely delicious and highly nutritious.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh English plantains (washed thoroughly)
6 cups water
1 lemon wedge
Sea salt to taste
Preparation (about 5 minutes) Makes two servings:
Bring the water to a boil and add English plantains. Turn off heat. Cover for 5 minutes.
Plate the tender greens, add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sea salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Save the water as a hearty soup stock or enjoy as a caffeine-free, Yerba Mate-like tea.
Next time you have a hankering for wholesome, green-leafy vegetables, consider all your options. Before you spend a lot of money and effort growing or purchasing expensive organic vegetables, contemplate what's in season in your own backyard.
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