Fried Sweet Plantains are one of those things alot of cultures eat, alot of countries in the Carribean, Central America, some parts of Mexico (I think Yucatan), even in "Islas Canarias" (Spaniard territory), etc. maybe more but these are the one's Im sure of.
Cubans enjoy it plain just their fried sweet plantains as a side dish. Others like Salvadorians or other Central Americans like to eat their sweet fried plantains with "Sour Cream" or other varieties of "Sour Cream".
I am labeling it as Cuban for navigation on my blog but it could be part of many other cuisines.
Ingredients:
-3 ripe plantains (this is personal preference when it comes to ripeness some people like it to be in the point of ripeness where it is yellow with lots of black markings, other's like me like it to be DEAD RIPE by that I mean BLACK because that is when they are at their sweetest)
-Cooking Oil for deep-frying(canola oil is good for deep-frying it has a high smoke point, is neutral in taste, cheap, and doesn't leave a greasy taste. You may use any other oil with a high smoking point but I suggest this one. It is fairly heart healthy even though it is controversial)Directions:
-In a pan heat enough oil to pan-fry at medium high heat (not high heat "medium high")
-Cut ends of plantains, make a line cut on the peel and peel off carefully, slice plantains into long oval shapes? Just see the pictures and try to cut it like that.
-Now carefully slide each batch into the pan do not over crowd or it will take longer to cook for 3 minutes on each side until browned (use your judgement), and flip with a fork when you need to turn it and also to take out.
-Place each batch on a large plate with paper towels to soak excess grease.-Repeat.
NOTE: I do it in a small pan, and pan-fry in small batches because I don't feel like wasting alot of oil, and it makes for easier clean up.
This is not eaten as dessert it is considered part of the meal and consumed like any other side dish along with food.
ALSO IMPORTANT IN MY HOUSE WHEN I MAKE THIS IT IS USUALLY A PLANTAIN PER PERSON, ALSO PLANTAINS TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET RIPE, IF YOU BUY THEM GREEN PREPARE TO WAIT 2 WEEKS SOMETIMES IF THEY ARE YELLOW ALL OVER IT MAY TAKE 1 WEEK, IF YOU BUY THEM RIPE WITH BLACK BLOTCHES MAYBE 3- 7 DAYS OR JUST USE EM ALREADY.