Maduros
Maduros Recipe from Nicaragua with Platano, Milk, Cinnamon and Sugar
Introduction
Maduros are a popular Latin American dish made from ripe plantains that are cooked until tender and caramelized. This sweet and savory dish is a staple in many Latin American households and is often served as a side dish or dessert.
History
Maduros have been enjoyed in Latin America for centuries, with plantains being a common ingredient in many traditional dishes. The recipe for maduros is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where plantains are abundant and have been a staple food for generations.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plantains
- 3 cups of milk
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla
How to prepare
- Peel the maduros and place them in a bowl. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Cook for a few minutes until the maduros are tender. Then, add the cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Continue boiling for five minutes. Next, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Variations
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the maduros before baking for extra flavor.
- For a savory twist, you can add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice to the maduros before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe plantains for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and more flavorful.
- Be careful not to overcook the maduros, as they can become mushy if cooked for too long.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Maduros can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, rice, and beans. They can also be enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have ripe plantains, you can use ripe bananas as a substitute.
- You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the maduros ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the maduros in a decorative dish and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint.
Pairing Recommendations
Maduros pair well with grilled meats, rice, beans, and other Latin American dishes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover maduros in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of maduros contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of maduros contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of maduros contains approximately 1 gram of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of maduros contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Maduros are a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
Alergens
Maduros do not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Maduros are a delicious and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C.
Summary
Maduros are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for serving as a side dish or dessert. With their sweet and caramelized flavor, they are sure to be a hit at your next meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Maduros. It was many years ago, during a visit to my dear friend Maria’s house in Puerto Rico. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.
One afternoon, as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on coffee, Maria pulled out a yellowed piece of paper from her recipe box. She explained that the recipe was for Maduros, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with ripe plantains. I had never heard of Maduros before, but Maria’s excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t wait to learn how to make them.
As Maria guided me through the steps of preparing the Maduros, I watched in awe as she effortlessly sliced the plantains and fried them to a perfect golden brown. The sweet aroma of caramelized sugar filled the air, and I knew that this dish would soon become one of my favorites.
After a few minutes of frying, Maria placed the Maduros on a plate and sprinkled them with a touch of salt. The combination of sweet and salty flavors was simply divine, and I couldn’t resist taking a bite right away. The plantains were tender and caramelized, with a slight crispiness that added the perfect texture.
Maria smiled as she watched me savoring the Maduros, knowing that she had passed down a cherished recipe to me. She explained that Maduros were a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served as a side dish or even as a dessert. I could understand why – the dish was simple yet delicious, a perfect balance of flavors that left me craving more.
As I finished the last bite of Maduros, Maria shared a story with me about how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago. She described the days spent in her grandmother’s kitchen, watching as she peeled and sliced the plantains with ease. The memories of those moments filled Maria with nostalgia, and she was grateful for the opportunity to pass down the recipe to me.
I left Maria’s house that day with a newfound love for Maduros and a sense of gratitude for the friendships that had enriched my life. Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist to it by sprinkling the Maduros with a dash of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
Whenever I make Maduros now, I am reminded of Maria and the time we spent together in her kitchen, bonding over our shared love for cooking. The recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Maduros, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. The recipe may have originated from Puerto Rico, but it has found a special place in my heart and my kitchen, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections.