How to Make Sweet Plantains (Platanos)

A Puerto Rican staple is "platanos" which are fried cooking bananas. It's a great authentic touch to a typical hispanic meal! Here are my super easy directions!

Things You'll Need

• Plantains
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Go to the supermarket and buy yellow or green plantains. If you can't get them there, go to your local "bodega." Let them sit on your counter until they turn black and mushy.

2. When the plantains peels are black and mushy, cut the two ends off and throw out. Also, take the peel off and throw out.

3. 

   Slice the plantains diagonally leaving each slice about a 1/2 inch thick. Set aside.

4. 

   Add enough vegetable oil to fill pan about 1/2" high. Heat oil to medium-high. When the oil is nice and hot, add about five slices. Leave the bananas cooking for about three minutes. Use a spatula and flip over to the other side. Cook for about another 2-3 minutes. Bananas should look caramelized around the edges. Do not cook until black. Repeat step for the rest of the platanos and serve warm!

Tips & Warnings

• Plantains start off green, turn yellow, then brown, black and mushy

• Platanos are better left "undercooked" than burned black, after all, it's a banana!

Resources

• Pico de Gallo