Take a trip to India with these soft-centered balls that are made … ", https://www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/when-in-cuba-eat-fried-plantains-heres-a-recipe/, https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/maduros-fried-sweet-plantains, https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/dodo-fried-plantains-recipe-1916852, https://www.food.com/recipe/oven-baked-sweet-plantains-80130, https://www.babemadeblog.com/healthy-vegan-baked-plantains/, https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/sweet-plantains-recipe-1938692, https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/sauteed-plantains-recipe-1941119, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. All the same great piece. Your detailed and very interesting hub has convinced me to try them! L M Reid from Ireland on February 17, 2012: I must admit I had never heard of plantains before I read this article. This gives a yellow colour to the chips. And yes, they can also be roasted and boiled-mashed-&-fried as you described. I love them fried, but recently tried them baked and I love them baked even more. I actually roast mine with just a slice down the skin so it can open as it expands. Answer: Yes. Cooking the plantains softens the texture and brings out the lightly sweet flavor, which can be used in a variety of savory or sweet dishes. If you want to season the plantains, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds, and serve hot. That sounds delicious. Answer: Yes, you can. Plantains are cooked green, semi-ripe or fully-ripe. Then you put them in the water and boil them. You may be able to eat a very ripe plantain, but try a little before consuming the entire thing to see if your stomach can handle it. Heat the oil in a frying pan until hot. Our cuisines are really not that different as we also savor lots of spices like you do. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. You can usually find plantains near the bananas at the grocery store. If you like, slice the plantain diagonally. "I only knew about pan frying plantains. Question: Can sliced plantains be breaded before baking? This increases the surface area of the plantains so they become crispier and more flavorful. Someone gave me several plantains, and I needed to know how to cook, "The step-by-step directions were very helpful. I am a Nigerian native who loves sharing traditional and nontraditional recipes with everyone! iguidenetwork from Austin, TX on April 21, 2013: I might try your plantains and eggs and salsa. I've never tried it though. In Northern Peru, they often boil the green plantains, peel them and then mash them and fry them. Very well appreciated. I then made a big bowl full of steaming quinoa, then added a layer of dark green, steamed kale, then the sauteéd plantains. That is not advisable as plantain, often called the "vegetable" banana, isn't that sweet by itself and is typically firmer and starchier, which can result in a not-so-soft and moist cake. It could be used as a meat substitute (when peeled and cut in chunks) in a collard green soup. Deborah Brooks Langford from Brownsville,TX on October 17, 2012: I have never tried a plantain.. they look like bananas.. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, you may just need to season it a little bit more than you would with a ripe plantain. To make the recipe, you'll need just two simple ingredients: plantains and butter. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I was always curious about plantain. Heat oil in a heavy-duty skillet over high heat. Thank you for the tutorials. Stir the butter occasionally to help it mix with the oil. Leaving the skin on while boiling helps the fruit retain most of its nutrients and also helps keep it from getting soggy. If the oil continues to heat past 375 °F (191 °C), turn the burner down a little. Plantains can be boiled. Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 15, 2013: Thank you for so much useful information about plantains! Very well appreciated. Place peeled, whole fruits in the oven. My favorite snack: roasted or grilled plantain with Spanish peanuts. Set your frying pan or wok on the stove over medium heat. Fried plantains are sometimes called maduros, while plantains that are fried twice are called tostones. Cooked plantains can be eaten as a snack (plain, dipped in butter or salted palm oil, or topped with roasted Spanish peanuts), or they can be incorporated into a meal (in a soup or stew, as a side dish, or with scrambled eggs). Question: Will green (unripe) plantains ripen if left at room temperature? Slice into slices, then fry them in butter or canola oil. Plantains are tasty baked or fried. Here’s how to cook these plantains recipes. Add only one or two spoons of this mixture depending upon your salt requirements. Answer: Yes, you can. :). Throughout the Caribbean and many Spanish-speaking countries, fried ripe plantains are served with meals mainly as a side dish or as a snack. They are Oh so delicious! Plantains can also be grilled or baked. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on February 18, 2012: Yes iruvanti - we also consider it a vetetable in Nigeria. I am so grateful to you for these plantain recipes. I would prefer not fried. What you do is leave them in the skin and cut the whole plantain into thirds or quarters, depending on how big you want them. Michelle Yap from Philippines on September 22, 2012: I do not know if plantains, is what we call "lakatan" or "latundan" here in Philippines. I put coconut oil and finely chopped garlic in a black iron skillet with slices of plantains,sauteéing until brown. The key to success was pouring a thick, delicious, sweet and salty sauce all over the top: made of water, miso and cashew cream warmed in a pan first, and then adding a tiny drizzle of maple syrup. I love plantains and I have been eating them since I was a child. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. You will often find plantains in Spanish, Caribbean, and African cuisines. Leaving the skin on, cut the plantains into 2-inch chunks. Thanks for your comment, and have a blessed day! Start by peeling and cutting the plantains into small, diagonal pieces. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the plantain pieces into the pan. If you prefer, use your favorite vegetable oil instead of butter. Sometimes, I roast them too. wikiHow's. Sautéing Plantains Melt the butter with the oil in a skillet. When you do try them, you'll find that are a very tasty meal/treat. If you got 4 correct answers: I see you know a lot about plantains. These plantain recipes are great for all occasions. Thanks for your useful hub. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on July 11, 2019: @Jenn, thank you for sharing your cooking tips. It's important to fry the plantains in batches so the temperature of the oil doesn't drop quickly. They taste even better with fried egg. For example, in the South American country of Guyana, fried plantains are traditionally served with the national dish, cook … :). It is made from green or ”about to ripen” plantains. I think they will fit right in to this hash! Looks good and healthy. Especially if they are not too ripe. Fry them in hot oil for a crispy dish or bake them in the oven for a healthier option. Thanks for letting me know about oven baking and grilling them. Because plantains have less sugar and more starch than regular bananas, they are generally cooked before they are consumed. Add oil. With a paring knife, make 3 shallow slits lengthwise … Voted up and awesome. Put 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter into a … Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain, peel only as deep as the peel. Tested. Instructions. It's a small world! Question: What are the nutritional value(s) of plantains? Hey love so many of you have been asking over on my main channel for this video on HOW TO FRY GREEN PLANTAINS so here goes....ENJOY. Place slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet, spray the top of plantains with cooking spray and … Thanks for the lesson. Use real bananas! "I know that plantains are good for you and wanted to try them out. Guess what? Can the bananas be boiled in water instead of frying? Continue reading for more on how to cook plantain. However, already baked, roasted, or fried plantain can be frozen. Keep on. ", "Time frying before and after flattening green plantain helped most. That reminds me, I've got some just like that that I need to prepare for breakfast, to eat with some eggs and salsa serving. Cut each end off the plantain and peel back the skin. Different people like to slice it differently. FreezeFrame34 from Charleston SC on July 26, 2012: I have yet to try a plantain, but this gives me some ideas on how to experiment with them! wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Plantain Chips: This can either be fried or baked. I'm glad you found this useful. Green plantain in chips usually have sugar added to it. Answer: You can use it as a substitute in recipes that calls for bananas. Add some turmeric powder into the water. Have had fried and now with summer grilled sounds heavenly thank you. These methods are a healthier option to the frying. Variation: For an even sweeter dish, add an extra 3 tablespoons (42 g) of butter, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons (25 g) of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vanilla extract to the skillet. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on October 17, 2012: @Deborah Brooks - Plantains or Plantano (in spanish) are very popular with people of spanish descent, also in Africa and other tropical regions. curious about this weird food my nigerian friend makes as a quick breadlike "stuff" she made in a pot (didn' like it at all) Thanks again. Always delicious however it's cooked. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 521,252 times. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It need to be just right. In short, if you are wondering how to boil plantains, the answer is easier than it seems. Also tastes great with scrambled eggs. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on February 06, 2014: @Esther Strong - I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment. In Nigeria (my native country), roasted plantains are called. Sprinkle on cinnamon and brown sugar. To learn how to oven-bake plantains, read on! Stir well to create a delicious dessert sauce that the plantains cook in. Carefully place 1 plantain piece in oil. Though I have never heard of plantain being cleaned first before frying, but I'm sure it can be done. Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on March 05, 2013: Plantains are common and Peru and we just moved to an area where they're very inexpensive. When plantain is cooked or boiled, these enzymes reacts with oxygen that turns the plantain water to a dark (brown or black) color. Ambiga Jeyaratnaraja from India on September 25, 2013: Oh so much we can do with plantains. Plantain is very high in vitamins A and C and in calcium. Whichever method you choose to prepare your plantains, one thing is certain: you and your family will enjoy eating them! Maduros, aka amarillos, are fried sweet plantains. I would try to do some of your tutorials :). The yellow, ripe-but-firm ones are better. If you love African, South American, and Caribbean food, you've probably come across plantains. A staple food across Latin America, the Caribbean, and West and Central Africa. Plantains are also high in potassium and fiber. I've been having all sorts of plantain dishes since there's an abundance of it this time of the year. For a taste of the tropics try pairing fried eggs with sweet … % of people told us that this article helped them. … Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 10, 2013: @jeanjoycee - Yes, it's really yummy. Did You Know? You want to end up with 5 x 2 cm pieces. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the plantain pieces into the pan. Question: Can I mash plantains after boiling or roasting them and then fry them? thank you sweetheart. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Tip: Play around with your favorite spices. Yes; I won a cook contest for my healthy recipe. Love reading more of ur hubs. Great hub. References Fry the portions for approximately 5 minutes and then eat them like pancakes! Thank you so much And I think your name is wonderful :-). Question: What is the best way to cook a plantain that is too ripe? This prevents the plantains from sticking. Tip: If you're peeling a green plantain, make another lengthwise slit on the opposite side of where you made the first cut. I'm not fun of cooking I swear! Have to try it out. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until the syrup … To learn how to oven-bake plantains, read on! This article has been viewed 521,252 times. But note that frozen plantain may only be suitable for boiling, not baking, roasting or frying. No additional ingredients are needed. I've also tried a mixture of coconut oil with a pinch of salt (optional) and cayenne pepper. If it bubbles … For each question, choose the best answer. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even roast. We make savory dishes with the green ones and desserts with the ripe ones. But, I must confess, that even I sometimes prefer the added delicious taste of the frying oil. Girl, I'm glad you don't have that problem anyone! Green Plantain Kofta Curry Recipe. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on June 06, 2018: You are so very welcome. Don't put the plantains in the refrigerator to ripen them. Fry the plantain on each side for a couple of mins until it starts to caramelise, ensuring it doesn’t burn. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Although plantains are similar, they contain more starch and less sugar than bananas. Not even the produce clerks in grocery stores that carry these can tell you how to prepare plantains, so I've never been brave enough to try them. Cut the fruit into chunks, cubes, or coins. She said, "I don't know", and then proceeded to ask me what they were and how to cook them. Answer: It depends on individual preference. Thanks for the votes and comment. You'll find not only does it look delicious, it taste delicious! I actually just finish eating a not-too-ripe boiled plantain with eggs and fish for breakfast. You should try it sometime. As you rightly said, ripe plantain can be fried. They are handy as a quick snack or they can be incorporated into a delicious breakfast or main meal. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. To peel the plantains, cut off ends and discard. As the plantains cook, the heat from the water will begin breaking down their rich sugars, unlocking more of their natural sweetness. I am a big fan of plantains and have cooked them in a number of different ways. The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. Question: Can you put plantains in the microwave? Adulting 101: Learn How to Raise Your Credit Score. Different people like to slice it differently. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on November 21, 2011: Hairybizness - Thanks for stopping by. Kevin Peter from Global Citizen on April 29, 2013: Even the ripe plantains can be fried after removing their peels. Plantains and bananas are closely related; in fact, plantains are a member of the banana family. You are much appreciated for stopping by and commenting. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on March 10, 2013: Thanks cbarbar for your comments. I hope it turns out right and delicious. If it doesn't, wait another minute and check again. Peel plantains, but do not cut or slice into pieces. To steam whole plantains, cut off both ends of the fruit, exposing the flesh within the peel. Put them in a bag with a ripe or overripe vegetable or fruit or in a warm, humid spot. Once the plantains are golden brown on the bottom, flip them with a spatula and saute the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. This tastes and looks a lot like rice but is much more nutritious. ", "How to identify ripe plantains helped. If you don't have parchment paper, you could lay down a silicone matt or spray the sheet with nonstick cooking spray. The recipe for frying is simple and very good. I've been hearing a lot about them lately. It is said that this method allows the fruit to retain all of its nutrients (unlike when they're boiled or fried). We can learn so much. Remember to let the oil heat back up to 375 °F (191 °C) before you fry another batch of plantains. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on May 02, 2013: @chocomaggie - Here on Hubpages, we learn new things everyday. Only if ripe (black skin). I look forward to trying it, thanks! The combination of sweet, sour and salty sounds delicious. If you got 2 correct answers: You did good, but you need to familiarize yourself more with plantain by reading this hub. Yvonne L. B. from South Louisiana on June 01, 2011: I've always wanted to try plantains, but didn't know how to cook them. Frying is the most popular method of cooking plantains, although some people are gradually beginning to move away from this method due to health concerns. Place them over a grill or open fire pit until they're golden-brown. Can I eat plantains without the skin and uncooked? Place 4 to 5 plantain slices in a single layer in the pan … The best is the yellow/brownish color that I fried, and they were naturally sweet. Have to try the grilled banana soon. Thank you for your kind comments. Made the pan-fried ones, came out great. Yours looks amazing! Can I fry them with onions, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini to make a hash? Rinse the unpeeled plantains to remove any dirt residue. They can also be found at most farmer's markets that cater to Eastern Mediterranean cuisines as well as in some Chinese markets. Cut the fruit into chunks, cubes, or coins. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/sauteed-plantains-recipe Thanks for sharing. Slice and saute the plantain until it caramelizes deeply at the edges, gaining a rich flavor in the process, then serve it with roast chicken, black bean soup or other savory dishes. A plantain's peel is thicker than a banana's so you can't peel them the same way. awesome ideas...My hubby is from kerala (India) where deep frying the bananas is a very popular way of cooking them. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on March 06, 2013: @vespawoolf - Fried plantains are everybody's favorite. Question: Can I mash plantains with black beans? Thank you very much Babatola. To make the turkey a la mexicana I put I can of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 white onion and 1 jalapeño in the blender and pour it over the meat and it thickens as it cooks with salt and pepper to taste. Hi, loved this hub of yours. Plantains can be found in the produce aisle of most grocery stores today. Then fry it. Try serving with scrambled eggs and salsa. Plantain is very versatile and cab be incorporated into any meal. In Africa, Latin American countries, and the Caribbean, plantains are considered a staple, and are most frequently served alongside savory foods. I like to keep a few plantains in my kitchen at all times. Once the pieces are golden brown, remove them from the pan. The boiled plantain tastes very good. Baked plantains are a great dessert or side dish for a rich meal. I'm glad you found the information on plantain useful. Then slice them into 1/4 to 1/3 inch strips. Try it sometime. Many thanks for the tips. Ingredients: Yellow ripe plantain (platano maduro); 1 is enough for 2 people Oil to fry; Method: Peel the plantain and cut it into about 5-cm-long pieces. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Peel the plantains. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on October 15, 2019: Just follow the recipe as shown and you'll be fine. @phildazz - It really does help with iron deficiency, especially the green unripe plantain. Older leaves have a stronger, sometimes objectionable flavor, and can be tough and stringy, but can be used to make tea. No. By the 15-20 minute … Really interesting and a new one. Thanks for stopping by, and commenting. You can boil, bake, or roast plantain in its skin. Always delicious. There are some important differences between the two fruits, though. Try a little bit first to ensure your stomach can handle it. Answer: Yes, you can. Avoid bending the stem to peel it back. I hope I can make it.. Haha.. I am going to roast my plan Taine in the oven today and have it with my rice and beans that I'm also going to make a nice salad. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. It is also a healthy option for Weight Watchers. Question: I grate green plantain and fry like a rosti, can I use the same method for yellow plantain? Fried, unripe plantains are very crunchy.