Fried Plantains

There is no easier dessert to make than fried plantains. Add some vanilla ice cream and you have elEvated it to a whole new level. You could make this with bananas that are not very ripe, but the firm texture of the plantain lends itself to being manipluated rather well as it holds up to the pressure of being put a hot stove or a grill without falling apart. Plantains look like a larger version of the banana and although they belong to the same family, they are often eaten cooked because of the high starch content.


From L-R Plantains, Red Banana, Apple banana, Cavendish banana.
(Source: Wikipedia)  


Plantains that you find in the supermarket are generally green, some may be yellow and the really ripe ones have black spots and may be more black than yellow. I buy the green ones if I want to use it as a vegetable; generally, as plantains get yellow they are less starchy and more sweet. Buy the yellow plantains and keep for a couple of days until it has some black spots before using to make this simple sweet treat.


Skill Level: Easy

Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 ripe plantains  
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) You can use vegetable oil as well; Ghee gives a nicer flavour
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream

METHOD: 

1. Cut the plantain horizontally into 3 depending on the thickness of the plantain; then cut into slices
2. Heat a large sauce pan, add ghee and when it is hot add plantain slices. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until it is a golden brown
3. Using a pair of tongs take out fried plantain slices and arrange on a dish, Sprinkle sugar and cardamom (optional)
4. Serve with vanilla ice cream (optional)