Plantains have substantially thicker skin and are rougher and larger than bananas.
Plantains are similar to bananas but are eaten cooked.
They are usually sold in food stores. They could be extremely dark brown, yellow, or green.
Plantains originate from Southeast Asia. However, they are now grown all over the world, including in India, Egypt, Indonesia, and tropical regions of the Americas.
When green, plantains are less sweet and starchier. They are sweeter when ripe but get even sweeter when cooked. You can bake, fry, or boil plantains.
You can use unripe bananas in case you lack plantains, just place them into a brown paper bag to contain the ethene gas and hasten the ripening process.
They have great health benefits as they are very nutritious. They offer potassium minerals, vitamin B6 which is good for a healthy heart and mind.
They are also key in promoting digestive health because of their fiber content.
A neutral-flavored oil that can handle high heat works best. Peanut, grapeseed, and canola oil can be used.
Soaking before a second fry increases the crunchy taste of a plantain, but this is always optional.
After learning some history and benefits, let’s get to the cooking part.
Ingredients:
- Plantains
- Vegetable Oil
- Salt
Step 1
Cut the banana ends and make a small cut along the plantain’s seam to make it easier to peel.
Step 2
Cut Diagonally: Slice the plantains into medium-sized pieces or on the diagonal, then set them aside. You could also chop them smaller.
Step 3
In a big skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Fry a slice of plantain carefully to see if the oil is ready. If the oil doesn’t bubble immediately upon contact, wait a minute or two before continuing.
Alternatively, take the oil off the heat and wait for about two minutes before continuing if it is too hot.
Fry in batches, flipping once, until plantains are golden brown as desired.
Step 4
Fry each side for two to three minutes. Once soft and deeply golden brown, continue frying the plantains, stirring them from time to time, for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
Using a frying spoon, carefully take the fried sweet plantains and place them on a plate or tray lined with paper towels.
Add some salt to taste.