HONDURAS: Plato Tipico

Plato Tipico translates to "typical dish," which might seem like I'm just being lazy, but Plato Tipico — while found in many Central American cuisines — is the national dish of Honduras. That being noted, there are as many variations of the meal as there are towns in Honduras. Generally, the dish comprises rice, stewed beans, grilled meats, and chismol (a type of pico de gallo). But even chismol has endless varieties of preparation. Variation of Plato Tipico include fried plantains, queso fresco, sliced avocado, eggs, and corn tortillas. Because I wanted to keep it fast and light, I went with the basics, plus some avocado. It was filling without feeling heavy.

Plato Tipico

Grilled Meat and Sausages

1 lb beef tenderloin

1 lb pork tenderloin

2 fresh chorizo sausages

1 orange

1 lime

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Chismol

1 large (beefsteak) tomato

½ yellow onion

1 poblano or 2 jalapeño peppers

4 small radishes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

1 lime

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp cumin

Stewed Beans

2 ~15 oz cans kidney beans

1 small yellow onion

1 green bell pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

To Serve

2 cups white rice, cooked according to package

8 small corn tortillas (optional)

2 ripe avocados (optional)

4 fried eggs (optional)

4 slices queso fresco (optional)

1. In a large flat dish with sides or a Ziplock bag, combine the juice from the orange and lime. Mince the garlic and add it to the juice. Mix in the cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slice both the beef and pork tenderloin into long, flat strips and toss into the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour. Turn up gas or electric grill to high heat.

2. Wash all vegetables for the chismol. Place all vegetables directly on the grill, with the onion and peppers in the hotter areas and the radishes and tomatoes on the cooler areas. Close the lid. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Flip the vegetables at the 5 minute mark, adjusting the grill temperature as needed so the vegetables do not burn, but do get nice char marks. At this point place the chorizo links on the grill on the cooler spots.

3. While the meat marinates and the vegetables char, chop the onion and green pepper for the beans finely. Heat olive oil to medium in a medium saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Stir frequently while mincing the garlic. When the onions start to turn translucent, about 5 minutes, add the garlic. Sauté 2 more minutes, then add the oregano and all remaining bean spices. Sauté 1 more minute, then add the beans and lower heat to low.

4. When the vegetables come off the grill, place them in a small pan to cool. Add the meats to the grill and lower the heat to medium-high. Sear both the beef and steak tenderloin over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes per side, until middle is just pink. Remove to a plate and cover with foil. Lower grill to medium and cover, cooking the chorizo another 5-7 minutes on each side while meat rests and you complete the chismol

5. Chop all of the grilled vegetable, discarding the skin, and stem from the pepper(s) and the skin and core from the tomato. Add the chopped herbs. Squeeze the lime juice overtop. Toss in the spices and mix to combine.

6. To serve, place a spoonful of cooked rice on each person's plate. Place a half a chorizo link and a few slices of each type of meat around it. Add beans and chismol to either side of the meat and garnish with any other components you are using.

   
   

#platotipico #grilling #riceandbeans #honduras 

FUN FACTS:

• Honduras was the first country to ban smoking in your own home. Smokers must always stand about six feet away from non-smokers.

• The legend that pirate captain William Kidd hid his treasures, including gold and jewelry, on an island in Honduras formed the basis of Robert Stevenson’s famous novel Treasure Island.

• Lluvia de Peces, or "rain of fish," refers to the annual phenomenon where small fish appear to fall from the sky after heavy rainstorms in the town of Yoro.