Cereal de Plátano Recipe from Puerto Rico - Delicious and Healthy Cereal Bars

Cereal de Plátano

Cereal de Plátano Recipe from Puerto Rico - Delicious and Healthy Cereal Bars
Region / culture: Puerto Rico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cereal de Plátano
Cereal de Plátano

Cereal de Plátano is a traditional dish from Latin America made with plantains, water, salt, sugar substitute, and milk. It is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Cereal de Plátano has been a staple in Latin American cuisine for centuries. Plantains are a popular ingredient in many dishes in the region, and this recipe is a creative way to enjoy them for breakfast. The dish is often served with milk and sugar, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Peel the plantains and grate them coarsely using a hand grater or a food processor.
  2. Save any liquid that may be produced during the grating process.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the grated plantain and any juice to the saucepan.
  5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes almost smooth.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
  • Top with sliced bananas or berries for a fruity twist.
  • Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe plantains for the best flavor and texture.

- Grate the plantains coarsely for a chunkier cereal, or finely for a smoother consistency.

- Adjust the amount of sugar substitute to suit your taste preferences.

- Stir the mixture frequently while simmering to prevent sticking to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cereal de Plátano hot with a splash of milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the grated plantains in water until they are soft and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular sugar instead of a sugar substitute if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Cereal de Plátano can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cereal de Plátano in a bowl with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Cereal de Plátano contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Cereal de Plátano contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Cereal de Plátano is a low-fat dish, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

This dish is not a significant source of protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Plantains are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, but it contains plantains, which may be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Cereal de Plátano is a nutritious and low-calorie breakfast option that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins.

Summary

Cereal de Plátano is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this traditional Latin American dish for a satisfying start to your day.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cereal de Plátano. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she always seemed to have a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As I stepped into her kitchen, I was immediately greeted by the sweet aroma of ripe bananas. I peered over Maria's shoulder as she carefully peeled and mashed the bananas into a smooth paste. She then added in some milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, stirring everything together until it formed a creamy mixture.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, intrigued by the delicious scent wafting through the air.

Maria smiled and replied, "I'm making Cereal de Plátano, a traditional Dominican breakfast dish. It's simple to make but oh so delicious. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, excited to learn a new recipe from my dear friend. Maria handed me a wooden spoon and guided me through the process of making the cereal. She explained that the key to a perfect Cereal de Plátano was using ripe bananas that were slightly mushy, as they would give the dish a natural sweetness.

As I stirred the mixture, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make Cereal de Plátano. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, with each woman adding her own twist to the dish. Maria had learned how to make it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on.

Listening to Maria's story made me realize the importance of preserving family recipes and traditions. I made a mental note to learn as many recipes as I could from my own family members, so that I could pass them down to future generations.

After the cereal had simmered on the stove for a few minutes, Maria ladled it into bowls and sprinkled some toasted almonds on top for an extra crunch. We sat down at her kitchen table and enjoyed the warm, comforting dish together.

As I savored each spoonful of the creamy cereal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The flavors reminded me of my own childhood, when my own grandmother would make me a similar dish on cold winter mornings. I remember how she would always add a pinch of nutmeg to give it a unique flavor that I had never tasted before.

I made a mental note to ask my grandmother for her recipe the next time I saw her. I wanted to continue the tradition of making Cereal de Plátano in my own home, just like Maria had done with her family.

After finishing our breakfast, Maria and I washed the dishes together, chatting and laughing as we cleaned up. I thanked her for teaching me how to make Cereal de Plátano and promised to make it for my own family soon.

As I left Maria's house that day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships and memories that had been built around a simple bowl of cereal. Cooking has a way of bringing people together, whether it's through sharing recipes or simply enjoying a meal together.

And so, the recipe for Cereal de Plátano became a beloved addition to my own collection of family recipes, a reminder of the stories and traditions that make each dish special. I continue to make it to this day, passing on the recipe and the memories to my own grandchildren, just as Maria had done for me.

Categories

| Plantain Recipes | Puerto Rican Recipes | Puerto Rican Snacks |

Recipes with the same ingredients