Blending flavors from the Spanish and African culinary heritage, this Cuban fried plantain recipe is both simple and delicious. A staple side dish in Cuban cuisine, plantains are served both sweet and savory, and can be enjoyed alone or with other Cuban ingredients like garlic, cashews, and chili peppers.
Plantains are a banana-like fruit that must be cooked before being eaten. Like bananas, they can be fried and transformed into a sweet, tasty, and easy-to-prepare dish. Follow the recipe below to try Cuban fried plantains for yourself!
Ingredients for Cuban Fried Plantains
In order to make Cuban fried plantains, you will need the following ingredients:
4 green plantains: Look for firm, green plantains in your local grocery store or supermarket, as these will cook most evenly and make the best-tasting dish.
2 cups of vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is the best oil of choice for fried plantains, as it has a light, neutral flavor compared to heavier oils like olive oil.
1 teaspoon of salt: The salt provides the dish with much-needed flavor.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder gives the plantains a delicious and timeless Cuban flavor.
1 lime, optional: A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing citrus taste to the dish.
How to Make Cuban Fried Plantains
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
The first step to making Cuban fried plantains is to prepare the plantains. Begin by peeling the skin off the plantains and slicing them into discs, each about 3/8 inch thick.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan and place it over medium heat. Let the oil get hot before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Fry the Plantains
Add the plantain slices to the pan in a single, even layer. Fry the slices until they are golden brown, flipping them once or twice to ensure that they cook evenly. This should take around 4 to 6 minutes in total.
Step 4: Season the Plantains
Once the plantains are cooked through, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Immediately sprinkle the salt and garlic powder over the plantains to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Cuban fried plantains on a platter or as a side dish for any Cuban meal. For an extra tang of flavor, squeeze a lime wedge over the top of the plantains before enjoying.
Tips for Making Cuban Fried Plantains
In order to make the best-tasting Cuban fried plantains, keep the following tips and tricks in mind:
Use only green plantains: Green plantains are the best for frying, as they have a lower sugar content than ripe ones, which won’t brown or burn as easily when cooked.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the plantain slices, make sure not to stack them on top of each other in the pan. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to one another.
Watch the heat: Make sure to keep a close eye on the heat underneath the pan to avoid burning the plantains, as they can quickly turn from golden brown to burned if left unattended.
The Benefits of Cuban Fried Plantains
Not only are Cuban fried plantains delicious, but they are also full of vitamins and minerals. One serving of plantains contains a high amount of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and carotenoids. In addition, fried plantains are a great source of slow-releasing energy, making them an ideal side dish for any meal.
Conclusion
Cuban fried plantains are a simple and delicious dish that is perfect as a side for any Cuban meal. Follow the easy recipe above to enjoy this Caribbean treat in your own home, and enjoy the many health benefits that come along with it!
Leave a Reply