Halo, Zeromedia! If you’re like me, you love trying new foods. And if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, plantains are a must-try. This versatile fruit is an important staple in many cultures all around the world, and for good reason: it’s delicious!
What are Plantains?
Plantains are a type of banana that are more starchy and less sweet than the bananas we are used to. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, but they are most commonly green or yellow. Plantains are a staple food in many countries, including many in Africa, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Green vs. Yellow Plantains
Green plantains are less ripe and more starchy. They are great for frying and are often sliced thin and fried to make tostones (twice-fried plantain slices). Yellow plantains, on the other hand, are sweeter and softer. They are great for baking, boiling, or mashing.
Fried Plantains: Tostones vs Maduros
Fried plantains are a common snack or side dish in many cultures. Tostones are made by slicing green plantains into rounds and frying them twice, which results in a crispy exterior and soft interior. Maduros are made by slicing yellow plantains and frying them once until they are golden and caramelized.
How to Cook Plantains: All the Ways
Boiling Plantains
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the plantains in a pot of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until soft.
- Drain the water and mash the plantains.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking Plantains
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Place the rounds on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frying Plantains (Tostones)
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Heat oil in a frying pan.
- Add the plantain pieces and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Using the bottom of a cup or a tostonera (a wooden tool designed for this purpose), flatten the fried plantains into thin rounds.
- Return the flattened plantains to the frying pan and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy.
- Remove and season with salt to taste.
Frying Plantains (Maduros)
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1/2-inch slices on a diagonal.
- Heat oil in a frying pan.
- Add the plantain slices and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Season with salt and serve.
Plantain Recipes to Try
Now that you know how to cook plantains, here are some recipes to try:
| Plantain Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Plantain Chips | Thinly sliced plantains fried until crispy. Perfect for snacking! |
| Mofongo | A Puerto Rican dish made by mashing green plantains with garlic and pork cracklings. Served with a meat or seafood stew. |
| Plantain Empanadas | Empanadas filled with mashed plantains and cheese. A delicious appetizer or snack! |
Plantain FAQ
Are plantains healthy?
Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are higher in calories and carbohydrates than regular bananas, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can you eat plantains raw?
No, plantains should always be cooked before eating. Raw plantains are too tough and starchy to be eaten raw.
Where can I buy plantains?
Plantains can be found at most grocery stores, especially those with a good selection of international foods. Look for them in the produce section next to the regular bananas.
Goodbye for now, and until next time, happy cooking!