How To Make Fried Plantain Slices
Making fried plantain slices
Finding plantains may be the trickiest part of preparing this dish, as plantains may not be available in all markets. But once you have a plantain in hand, this recipe is simple. No special kitchen tools or seasonings are required.
It's just between you, a frying pan and a firm, starchy version of the common banana.
Fried plantain slices make a quick, simple starter or appetizer. Try serving them as a snack in place of chips, french fries or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 green plantain
- Enough cooking oil to lightly coat the bottom of a frying pan
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Pinches of salt and sugar
Kitchen supplies
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Small knife and cutting surface
What to do
- Peel the plantain and slice the plantain into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fry the plantains until the outsides are slightly crisp and browned. The center of each slice should still be soft. TIP: Flip the slices frequently to keep any from scorching.
- Dust the fried plantain slices with salt, sugar and cinnamon.
- Serve the fried plantain slices while they are warm.
Serving size
One sliced plantain should sparsely fill a
medium frying pan and should serve two as a snack. Fry more plantains
in batches for a larger group.
Where to find plantains
Any grocery store that stocks Caribbean or Latin American foods is likely to carry plantains in the produce section.
What about bananas? Will they work in this recipe?
Yes and no, but mostly no. Ripe bananas are mushier and juicier than plantains. They won't crisp as nicely and cleanly in the frying pan. Not only will they lack crunch, fried bananas won't have the fried plantain's salty, starchy, satisfying taste. No one will mistake a fried banana slice for a potato chip. The result will be just too sweet.
If you're inspired to try something new with bananas and cinnamon, try baking banana slices in a small dish with some cinnamon, sugar and a dash of vanilla extract. Save it for dessert.
Have you tried plantains?
More about plantains
Enjoy experimenting with plantains — just don't try eating a green plantain raw. It's like eating a raw potato!
Read more by E. A Wright
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