PLANTAINS

It seems that when I’m in the supermarket, I’m sometimes asked by the cashier, “what is that, and how do you cook it?". This week I was asked about plantains.

Definition Plantains are slightly bigger than the yellow banana. It is a very popular food source in subtropical and tropical countries. This banana is sometimes eaten raw when it is yellow and ripe, but it is more common to cook it. Plantain bananas are ordinarily eaten in the zone called the banana belt, which includes South East Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean where bananas can be grown.

Surprisingly, plantains are extremely versatile. They can be cooked as a main dish, side dish, and even a dessert. Just to give you a sampling, you can substitute potatoes with plantains such as mashed plantains, fritters, baked, or even in stews.

Here’s a great versatile appetizer or side dish you can make with plantains. It can be eaten plain or topped with a variety toppings such as sour cream and crab, salsa or even sweet toppings. You’re only limited by your imagination.

Skill Level: Easy

• 2 large plantains
• ¼ cup frying oil, plus more if needed.

In a large frying pan heat up oil. Cut plantains into ¾ inch slices. Note: plantains will be cooked twice

1^st Fry: Fry each side for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel.

2^nd Fry: Take a large bottom glass and flatten each disk to resemble a small pancake. Fry again on each side until brown (about 2-3 minutes). Once cooked, drain on paper towel.

At this point they can be eaten plain. It can also be eaten warm or cold.

If you would like to embellish the “plantain disks” here are a few topping ideas:

• Sour cream and chives
• Sour cream and crab
• Salsa
• Chicken salad
• Shredded pork
• Smoked Salmon plain or with cream cheese
• Fruit flavored cream cheese (e.g., strawberry cream cheese)
• Sprinkled with brown sugar

Your toppings are limited only by your imagination.