How To Cook Plantains
Tips On How to Cook Plantains
If you’re wondering how to cook plantains, then you’ve come to the right spot! We’ve all seen the funny green bananas in the supermarket. You know—the ones that look like they’re stuck between the stages of being under-ripened and rotten. These are called plantains and yes, they are related to the banana. There are many different types of bananas—the sweet yellow ones we eat raw are considered “dessert bananas”, and then we have the bocadillo banana (“baby” versions of the dessert banana), red bananas, and the green plantain.
The plantain is slightly different in taste to the typical dessert banana in that it is not as sweet. It not only has a lower sugar content than dessert bananas but its consistency is much firmer than the typical banana. Much as potatoes are the cornerstone of many everyday meals, the plantain is the cornerstone for many South American dishes. Plantains are not generally eaten raw, but rather they are fried, grilled, or baked. We are going to discuss each of these methods in this “How to Cook Plantains” guide.
Before cooking plantains, you must first understand the process of choosing and preparing them. When plantains are green, they have not actually reached a state of ripeness yet. If you buy your plantains green, leave them near a sunny window to ripen. As the plantains ripen they will turn from green to a golden shade of yellow, and then to black. The way you are going to prepare your plantains should be the determining factor when allowing your plantains to ripen. No matter how you cook your plantains, they will first have to be peeled and cut. If the plantain is green, you will find that the peel doesn’t want to separate from the plantain. You may need to chop the ends off and then slice down the peel in a vertical manner. This should make it easier to pull the peel back for separation. Alternatively, you can simply use a knife to cut away the peel. Golden and black colored plantains usually peel much more easily as they have ripened. Now you can cut the plantains into slices—anywhere from half a centimeter to a centimeter in thickness will do.
The first cooking method we are going to cover is deep frying, which is absolutely delicious and by far the most unhealthy way to cook the plantain! You’ll need oil for frying and a deep fryer or tall saucepan. If your aim is a sweet and crispy treat, then allow your plantains to ripen to a dark yellow or black color before preparing them to cook. If you want a more savory chip-like result, then use green plantains. Allow the oil to heat over a medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Add the plantains to the oil and allow them to cook for two or three minutes, or until they have turned a nice golden brown color all over. Remove the plantain chips to a paper towel. Cover with a few more pieces of paper towel and, using a rolling pin or similar object, flatten the plantain chips. Don’t smash them altogether—you just want a flattened effect. Return the plantains to the oil and cook for another two minutes. Remove them onto fresh paper towel and dab away the excess oil.
When grilling plantains (which is a very healthy way to cook plantains), you must again keep in mind whether you want a savory side dish or a sweet dessert. In order to make grilling easier, I suggest you slice the plantains once lengthwise and then slice horizontally to produce 2-inch long sections. This makes it much easier to grill without having to fetch charred pieces that have slipped between the grate holes. Go ahead and lightly grease the grate to prevent the plantain pieces from sticking. Preheat the grill to a high heat, then add the plantain pieces to the grate using tongs. Turn the plantains frequently until they have softened and browned. Remove from the grate as soon as the plantains are cooked.
Baking is another healthy way to cook plantains. Line a baking tray or dish with aluminum foil—this makes for easy cleanup and keeps the plantains from sticking to the tray or dish. Coat the plantain chips lightly in oil and then spread the out on the aluminum foil. Cook the plantains for about 15 or 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. If you want your plantain chips to be on the crispy side, set the oven to broil during the last two minutes of cooking.
I hope you now have a better understanding of how to cook plantains. The three methods listed here are just a few of the ways that you can cook this versatile food. I hope you enjoy them!