Fried Green Plantains

Fried Green Plantains Recipe - Jamaican Cuisine

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried green plantains are a popular dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries. They are a delicious and versatile side dish or snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other dishes.

History

Plantains are a staple food in many tropical regions and have been cultivated for centuries. Fried green plantains are believed to have originated in West Africa and were brought to the Caribbean and Latin America by African slaves. The dish has since become a beloved part of the culinary traditions in these regions.

Ingredients

2 green plantains
1 tbsp salt

How to prepare

Peel the plantain by making two incisions on opposite sides of the plantain skin.
Save the skin and try not to break it.
Lay the plantain on a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch slices in the middle (width, not length - similar to breaking a banana in two).
Heat a skillet with enough oil to cover the 1-inch slices.
Fry the plantain slices until they turn golden brown on each side.
Each slice needs approximately 30 seconds to cook.
Remove each slice individually and place it between the plantain skin.
Press the plantain to flatten it, being careful not to break it.
Place the pressed plantain back in the skillet and fry it until it turns golden brown.
Place the fried plantains in a dish layered with napkins to drain and soak up the excess oil.
Sprinkle salt to taste.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar for a sweet twist on fried plantains.
Serve the fried plantains with a side of guacamole or salsa for a flavorful dip.
Top the fried plantains with shredded cheese or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use green plantains for this recipe, as ripe plantains will not hold their shape when fried.

- Be careful when frying the plantains, as they can splatter hot oil. Use a splatter guard if needed.

- Pressing the plantains between the skins helps to flatten them evenly and creates a crispy texture.

- Drain the fried plantains on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Fried green plantains can be served as a side dish with rice and beans, grilled meats, or seafood. They can also be enjoyed on their own with a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional method for cooking green plantains, but they can also be baked or grilled for a healthier alternative. Baking or grilling the plantains will result in a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have plantains, you can use green bananas as a substitute. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but the dish will still be tasty.

Make Ahead Tips

You can peel and slice the plantains ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. This can save time when preparing the dish for a meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried plantains on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them in a decorative bowl or on a banana leaf for a tropical touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried green plantains pair well with a variety of dishes, including jerk chicken, black beans and rice, grilled fish, or shrimp ceviche. They also go well with tropical fruit salads or coconut rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fried green plantains are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of fried green plantains contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of fried green plantains contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Fried green plantains are cooked in oil, which adds fat to the dish. One serving of fried green plantains contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Plantains are not a significant source of protein. One serving of fried green plantains contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Plantains are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Fried green plantains are a gluten-free and dairy-free dish. However, they are cooked in oil, so individuals with allergies to certain oils should take caution.

Summary

Fried green plantains are a delicious and nutritious dish that provides carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great addition to any meal or can be enjoyed as a snack.

Summary

Fried green plantains are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack. They are easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrients. Try this recipe for a taste of the tropics in your own kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a hot summer day in Puerto Rico, and I was visiting my aunt Maria's house in the countryside. As I walked through her lush garden, I noticed the vibrant green plantains hanging from the trees. Aunt Maria saw my curious gaze and smiled knowingly.

"Would you like to learn how to make fried green plantains?" she asked.

I eagerly nodded, excited to learn a new recipe from my beloved aunt. Aunt Maria led me to her outdoor kitchen, where she pulled out a large knife and expertly peeled the plantains. She then sliced them into thin rounds and fried them in hot oil until they were crispy and golden brown.

As I took my first bite of the fried green plantains, I was transported back to my childhood in Cuba. My grandmother used to make a similar dish for special occasions, and the flavors brought back cherished memories of family gatherings and laughter.

I asked Aunt Maria for the recipe, and she chuckled softly before sharing it with me. She explained that fried green plantains were a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served as a side dish or snack. The recipe was simple yet versatile, allowing for different spices and seasonings to be added according to personal preference.

I made a mental note of the ingredients and steps involved in making fried green plantains, determined to recreate the dish for my own family back home in Miami. From that moment on, this recipe became a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, evoking memories of my aunt Maria and the flavors of Puerto Rico.

Over the years, I perfected my technique for making fried green plantains, experimenting with different spices and cooking methods to create a dish that was uniquely my own. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the simplicity and deliciousness of this traditional Caribbean dish.

One day, a friend visiting from Jamaica shared her own version of fried green plantains, which incorporated a tangy mango salsa on top. I was intrigued by this twist on the classic dish and immediately asked for the recipe. As she explained the ingredients and steps involved, I felt a surge of inspiration and creativity.

I decided to fuse my friend's Jamaican mango salsa with my Puerto Rican fried green plantains, creating a flavorful and exotic dish that combined the best of both worlds. The sweetness of the mango balanced perfectly with the savory crunch of the plantains, resulting in a dish that was both satisfying and refreshing.

I served my fusion creation at a dinner party with friends, who all raved about the innovative flavors and textures. They begged me for the recipe, and I gladly shared it with them, knowing that this dish would become a new favorite in their homes as well.

As I sat back and watched my friends enjoy the fried green plantains with mango salsa, I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment. This recipe, which had been passed down to me by my aunt Maria, had now taken on a life of its own, evolving and adapting with each new iteration.

I realized that recipes were more than just instructions for cooking; they were a way of preserving memories and traditions, of connecting with loved ones across time and distance. The fried green plantains with mango salsa had become a symbol of my culinary journey, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I continue to explore new recipes and flavors, I will always hold onto the memory of that hot summer day in Puerto Rico, when my aunt Maria taught me how to make fried green plantains. It is a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart and on my dinner table, a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring into our lives.