Our friend, David, gave us a GIANT plantain recently

GIANT!

Since it had already started ripening when we got it, I knew what I wanted to make out of it: platano maduro frito (fried sweet plantain).

We finally got the house in decent enough shape to have my parents over for a father’s day dinner celebration, & this dish was a perfect addition to our spread!

Since Mami was coming over, I asked her to help me make these.

It’s really quite simple.

This recipe uses ripe plantains (maduros). Like, super ripe. Like, the plantain in this picture looks really black, but my mom says I probably could have waited a few more days. The plantain should feel soft when you squeeze it gently.

You peel the plantain & slice it up into long, diagonal slices. Then you put a little sugar on them.

Pour enough vegetable oil to thinly coat the bottom of a frying pan (this isn’t deep frying!) Tip from Mami: adding a tablespoon or two of butter to the oil gives it a great flavor!

Fry the slices on med/high heat until they are brown on one side, then flip to brown the other.

My mom was being silly while we were frying…

Once both sides are brown you are done!

These plantains are a little delicate – do not put them on a paper towel or they will stick!

I sprinkled a pinch of salt on them to bring out the sweetness even more.

These were a wonderful, sweet addition to our feast!

Mmm!

Platano Maduro Frito

• ripe plantains
• sugar
• oil for frying
• butter
• pinch of salt

1. Peel the plantains & cut into long, diagonal slices.
2. Sprinkle some sugar over the sliced plantains.
3. Pour a thin layer of oil in a frying pan. Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter & let it melt.
4. Fry the slices on med/high heat until they are brown on one side. Flip to brown the other.
5. Once both sides are browned, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the plantains.
6. Serve & enjoy!