Plantain peel dish
INGREDIENTS:
– 2 plantains
– Margarine or butter (for greasing the peels)
– Water (for boiling the peels)
– 1 onion (sliced)
– 1 bell pepper (green, yellow, and red, sliced)
– 1 tomato (sliced)
– 1 large garlic clove (minced)
– Soy sauce (to taste)
– Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
– Salt (to taste)
– Pepper (to taste)
– Fresh cilantro (to taste)
PREPERATION:
1. Wash and dry the peels of the two plantains.
2. Grease the peels with margarine or butter.
3. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, until golden.
4. Meanwhile, boil the peeled plantains in water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
5. In a pan, sauté one sliced onion, one bell pepper (green, yellow, and red), one tomato, and one minced garlic clove.
6. Season with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, and cilantro.
7. Shred the boiled plantain peels and add them to the sautéed vegetables.
8. Let the flavors meld together.
9. Serve alongside rice or inside arepas.
Why is there hunger in Venezuela?
Venezuela was once the wealthiest country in Latin America due to its vast oil reserves. However, since the implementation of economic policies by President Maduro, 64% of citizens have lost an average of 11 kilograms in 6 months. The country faces the highest inflation rate in the world, making food and medicine inaccessible to most residents. In 2016, the military took control of food distribution. Imported food is sold on the black market at exorbitant prices.
Many poor Venezuelans have nothing to eat. People even consume their pets and protected animals, such as flamingos. According to a report by the Daily Mail, starving people have broken into zoos to eat the animals there. Venezuelans have become incredibly creative in making new dishes from available ingredients, such as plants.
Specialties include yucca mayonnaise, plantain coffee (a type of banana), arepas (a type of bread) made from castor bean seeds (a seasonal fruit), and shredded beef made from plantain peels.
**Why is there hunger in Venezuela?**
The economic policies of the Venezuelan government, particularly under Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, have led to hyperinflation, economic collapse, and the failure of the agricultural production system. The nationalization of many industries, including agriculture, and price controls have decreased food production. Venezuela has one of the highest inflation rates in the world, making food prices inaccessible for most citizens. The country also struggles with a shortage of hard currency, making it difficult to import food and medicine.
Mismanagement of agricultural resources, lack of investment in infrastructure, and forced land expropriations have led to a dramatic decline in agricultural production. Once self-sufficient in food production, Venezuela now relies on imports, which have become very costly.
Sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries on the Venezuelan government, although mainly targeted at the rulers, have also affected the country’s economy. They have reduced Venezuela’s ability to trade on international markets, further worsening the food crisis.
Corruption and inefficiency within the government, one of the most corrupt in the world, result in the misallocation of funds that could be used for purchasing food and humanitarian aid. Additionally, the poor state of infrastructure, including transportation and electricity, hampers food distribution and storage, leading to further losses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the already dire situation, leading to even greater restrictions on trade, production, and food distribution.
