Plantains, creamy sauce, and spices in this classic gratin recipe dish combine to make a delightful new food experience.

Plantains are an important staple food in Africa especially in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Uganda. What are plantains? Plantains are fruits that resemble bananas but are longer, have a thicker skin, and contain more starch.

Creamy Cheesy Plantain Gratin Recipe

Ingredients

3 peeled and chopped green plantains

1 cup any grated medium-hard cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup all purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Add plantains to a large pot of boiling water, boil 5 minutes. Drain plantains set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, add the flour and whisk thoroughly. Gradually add the milk, whisking until it thickens, then stir in seasonings and cheese. Put a layer of plantains in an 8x8 baking dish, sprinkle some cheese over them, then add a layer of sauce. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake 15 minutes until golden brown.

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Meet the Author.

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Being African in America I have grown up learning about different ethnic cultures. My mother is a historian of African culture and history and her influence expanded my activities to several best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded products, and a popular African culture and food blog.