Plantains are a super popular and nutritious food eaten in South America. They’re kind of like bananas, but bigger, tougher and less sweet. There are tons of different yummy ways to cook and eat plantains. Grab your family and try preparing plantains two different ways: salty and sweet!
Peeling Plantains
Adult help needed. This can be a little tricky. So cut off the ends, make a cut along the peel from top to bottom (without slicing the fruit inside) and gently remove it.
Adult help needed.
Peel the plantain.
Slice the plantain diagonally. You should get about 12 sliced pieces per plantain.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add half the plantains and fry until they are golden brown. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Once the plantains look super yummy and caramelized, take them out and put them on a plate lined with a paper towel. Then, repeat the process with the second half of the plantains. Sprinkle them with salt, if desired.
Once the maduros have cooled off a little bit, enjoy the sweet goodness!
Ingredients
Adult help needed.
Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan by at least ½ inch.
Peel the plantains.
Cut the plantains into 1-inch chunks and fry them for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden. Then, carefully place the plantains on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel.
Use something flat (like the back of a wooden spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup) to smash the plantains down. After smashing them, increase the heat of the oil and fry them until they are crispy and lightly browned, flipping halfway through. This should take 5-7 minutes.
Once the tostones are cooked, sprinkle them with salt and enjoy!
