Charred Squid And Conch Buljol With Soused Green Figs And Tomato Chokha Coulis Recipes

CHARRED SQUID AND CONCH BULJOL WITH "SOUSED" GREEN FIGS AND TOMATO CHOKHA COULIS

Steps:

• Cook green figs
• In medium saucepan, combine banana chunks and enough cold water to cover by 1/2 inch. Set over high heat, bring to boil, lower heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
• Make conch buljol
• Place conch in colander and scald by pouring boiling water over. Drain and place in medium, nonreactive bowl. Immediately stir in remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use. Allow to marinate at least 1 hour before serving.
• Make squid
• Cut squid tubes in half lengthwise to form 2 rectangles. Score inside of each lengthwise with sharp knife, making parallel shallow cuts close together. In medium, nonreactive bowl, combine squid, olive oil, chiles, and garlic and refrigerate until ready to use, at least 1 hour.
• Marinate green figs
• Drain bananas and mash. In medium, nonreactive bowl, stir together bananas with remaining ingredients. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to use, at least 1 hour.
• Make tomato coulis
• Preheat grill to high. Grill tomatoes until blistered and slightly charred, about 6 minutes. (Alternatively, broil approximately 15 minutes.) Cool, then remove blackened skin, cut tomatoes into quarters, and remove seeds.
• In blender or food processor, pur&eauce;e tomatoes, garlic, and chile. Stir in shado beni, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Assemble dish
• Preheat grill to high. Remove squid from marinade and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill just until opaque, about 1 minute per side. (Alternatively, broil several minutes per side.)
• Divide mashed bananas among 8 plates; top each mound with 1/8 of conch. (Alternatively, use 4-inch ring mold to shape bananas and conch into neat circle on each plate. Remove mold.) Spoon 1/8 of tomato coulis around each mound, and top each with 4 to 5 pieces squid.