How do you cook a plantain?!
Answers: I'm supposed to cook a plantain tonight, and just realized I'm not sure how? I'm eating healthy, so don't say "cook it in butter". Oh...I also have a mango. Any suggestions for that one?
Ingredients
2 very ripe plantains (the skin of the plantain should be brownish black)
to taste oil
to taste salt (optional)
Directions
1Heat approximately 1/4" oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2Peel the plantain, and cut at an angle, making slices about 3/4" thick.
3Brown plantain in oil, approximately 2 minutes a side, or until both sides are brown.
4When browned, remove from skillet and place on a paper towel covered plate to drain the excess oil off.
5Serve hot.
6The traditional way is to serve plain, but I like to sprinkle them with a little bit of salt for a nice, salty sweet taste.
Grill it!!!
Grilled Plantain:
Set up your grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.
2. Cut the ends off the plantains and cut each plantain sharply on the diagonal into two inch pieces. (It is important to cut the plantains sharply on the diagonal to maximize the surface area exposed to the fire.)
3. Grill the plantains until the skins are charred, the exposed flesh is darkly caremelized, and the flesh in the center is soft. (Squeeze the plantains between your fingers to test for doneness.) This will take 4 to 8 minutes per side. Turn the pieces with tongs to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve the grilled plantains in the skins, but instruct your guests to cut off the skins before eating.