I have always been fascinated with other cultures, but ever since I started blogging, I have been even more inquisitive with different cultures, cuisines and traditions.
Food blogging has explored my palate to levels I never would have thought about. And what I love so much about food blogging is the constant appreciation and loyalty to honest, traditional cooking. Bringing cultures together, sharing experiences and memories and sharing food, not only with friends and family, but sharing the love for cultural cuisine across the world!
Like my ADD self, I get instant cravings that just pop out of no where. Fried plantains were seducing me and the first thing I begin to do, is not run to the store, but tweet and post questions asking all about plantains. I didn’t know much, except that I had some when I was little in New York. Latin cuisine is strong on the east coast and it has been at least a good 10 years since I have tasted sweet plantains.
So after many tweets, FB posts and questions about what I should look for..here’s what my professional research told me.
1) Plantains are not bananas, you can not eat them raw!
2) The blacker the better. Ya…I said that.
3) Don’t cheat, use oil and fry, baby…fry!
- 2 very ripe plantains
- Canola or vegetable oil
- Brown sugar optional
- Kosher or sea salt optional
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Cut ends off of plantains and run a knife along the sides, peeling the skin off.
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Slice on a diagonal about 1/2 in thick.
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Heat a large skillet with oil so it completely covers the bottom of the pan. When oil is hot enough (you want to hear a sizzle when plantain goes in), place plantains a few at a time in the hot oil.
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Fry on 1st side until it is golden brown and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Fry the other side until golden brown.
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Optional: sprinkle with brown sugar or sea salt (But I find them sweet enough).
Looking for more Latin inspired flavors? try my homemade sazon seasoning and add it to black beans or chicken!
These look perfect! Traditional Guatemalan breakfast consists of eggs, black beans and plantains. It’s seriously my favorite meal on Earth. We had it every weekend growing up.
Actually I’m eating beans and eggs right now at my desk, totally wishing I had these plantains!
Karla @ Foodologie recently posted..Peanut Butter Throwdown and a Giveaway!
I so need to make all of those at once!
Love this! It looks so yummy—I love having fried plantains at all the Latin restaurants here in Texas. 🙂
They are delish!! Glad we connected in Foodiechats 🙂
I adore fried plantains but have never made them myself. Will have to give it a try(fry)!
Casey @ Salted Plates recently posted..Philly Food Swap at Wyck Historic House
Thanks Casey! It was pretty easy to do 🙂
I love getting fried plantains – especially at Cuban restaurants. I’ll have to try these soon 🙂
I think you, Karla and I should plan a trip to Habana in Costa Mesa to get some!
That sounds fab! Lemme know when 🙂
I was looking for some interesting recipe and that I got in your post. Its is interesting and seems to be delicious :). I love to try this at home. Thanks Samantha for sharing it with us !! 🙂
Hi Ashley! Thanks for your comment (sorry my reply is a little late)..I love trying new foods, I hope you try the plantains and let me know what you think!
You may try them in the BBQ. Rap them in foil(pealed)place them on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes. Twist them (is that the right word) every 5 minutes to evenly cook the plantain.
The end product is a sweet ,soft and delicious plantain.
Great for burgers skirt stakes and even a nice New York Strip.
Do not grill directly over flames. Kind of baking a potato, at a quarter of the time.
You may try them in the BBQ. Rap them in foil(pealed)place them on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes. Twist them (is that the right word) every 5 minutes to evenly cook the plantain.
The end product is a sweet ,soft and delicious plantain.
Great for burgers skirt stakes and even a nice New York Strip.
Do not grill directly over flames. Kind of baking a potato, at a quarter of the time.
Hi Jorge! Oh my gosh..thank you SOO much for the plantain suggestion! I’m just learning about Latin foods and have only had them fried! I will definitely make them on the grill and perfect timing since I just bought 2 more!