Moody Girl Eats: Fried Plantains

I often make fried plantains in my home because it reminds me of the many Caribbean delights that I grew up loving as a child. 

What are Plantains?

Plantains look very much like bananas, but they are very different in several respects.  They are a starchy, low in sugar variety that is cooked before serving as it is unsuitable raw.  Most notably their flesh is firm when they are green, but as plantains ripen, the skin becomes more yellow and the flesh becomes softer.  Plantains are used in many savory dishes somewhat like a potato would be used and is very popular in Western Africa and the Caribbean countries.

Fried plantains make a great side dish for any entrée or a perfect snack anytime of the day.  Check out the recipe below and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

2 firm-ripe plantains

Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Cooking Instructions:

Peel and slice the plantains. I find that the best way to slice them diagonally or you can cut the plantain in half and slice lengthwise because it’s easier to fry.  Heat the oil over medium heat (around 375 degrees is good) in a large frying pan and add the sliced plantains.  Fry plantains until golden brown. They will cook very quickly, so try to be careful not to burn them.  Place fried plantains on a paper towel and dry off any excess oil.