Fried platanos are a delicious side dish or dessert typical of many Latin American countries. The green ones, tostones are crunchy and full of flavor, often served in place of chips. The fried platanos with cinnamon and sugar on the other hand are a fabulous dessert. In this article you will find all the secrets to learn how to make fried platanos in both ways.
Ingrediants
Green Platanos
- 900 gr. of unripe platanos
- 2 cups of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Sweet Platanos
- 900 gr. of sweet platanos
- 2 cups of vegetable oil
- Sugar and cinnamon to taste
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Green Platanos
Step 1. Choose the fresh platanos
Green platanos are fried when not ripe. If you've never used them before, look for banana-like fruit with green skin. Green platanos are perfect for getting flavorful twisted. If you want the sweet version instead, you will have to wait until they are completely ripe.
- Green plantains should be firm, with green skin and small bruises.
- If you want, you can buy a helmet and use an unripe part, keeping the rest for them to mature.
Step 2. Peel
The peel is too hard to peel off like that of a common banana. Use a small knife to cut the ends. Pass the knife over the peel to carve it from one end to the other. Use your fingers to remove it and throw it away.
Step 3. Slice the platanos into small pieces
Place them on a cutter and slice them diagonally, into pieces of a couple of centimeters. It is usually the most common way to slice tostones.
Alternatively, slice the platanos lengthwise, into flat slices that will curl when you fry them
Step 4. Heat the oil
Pour the oil into a wok or skillet. Heat it well until it simmers when you add a small piece of platanos. The temperature should reach 171 ° C.
Step 5. Fry the platanos
Place the pieces in the hot oil and fry them until soft and golden, which is about 5 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking. When they are golden, transfer them to absorbent paper.
- Fry the plantains a little at a time, so that they cook evenly. Don't put too many in the pan. Eventually make more fries.
- Leave the oil on the stove as you will have to fry them again.
Step 6. Plunge the platanos into the salt water
Fill a small bowl with water and a few pinches of salt. One by one, dip the pieces into the salt water. The process softens the pieces making them creamy on the inside.
You can skip this step if you prefer, but the platanos will remain slightly crunchy on one side
Step 7. Crush
Arrange them on a plate and use the back of a spatula to mash them. They will flatten out and you can have a second crisp and thin fry.
Step 8. Fry again
After soaking them in water and salt, put them back in the oil a second time. Fry them until they turn golden brown for about 3 minutes, turning if necessary. When they are dark, drain them on absorbent paper.
Step 9. Serve
Add a pinch of salt and serve them. Fried green platanos are delicious accompanied by aiolì sauce, spicy mayonnaise, coriander and sweet and sour sauce.
Method 2 of 2: Sweet Platanos
Step 1. Choose the ripe and sweet platanos
Ripe platanos bruise a little when you press them. Their skin is speckled with yellow and brick. If you find green platanos, let them ripen for a couple of days if you intend to turn them into dessert.
Step 2. Peel
Use a small knife to cut the ends of the plantains. With your fingers pull the peel and remove it from the fruit. Throw it away.
Step 3. Slice diagonally
Place the plantains on a cutter and slice them into 1-centimeter pieces. If you like them thicker, get to 2.5cm. For thinner, crunchy platanos, slice them into 0.5cm pieces.
Step 4. Heat the oil
Pour the oil into a wok or skillet. Heat it well until it simmers when you add a small piece of platanos. The temperature should reach 171 ° C..
For a less greasy dish, add a little oil to the pan and heat it until it bubbles
Step 5. Fry
Pour the chunks into the hot oil and fry them until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Turn them over and fry them on both sides. The more they fry, the sweeter they will be.
Step 6. Drain
Remove the pieces from the hot oil and place them on absorbent paper.
Step 7. Serve
Add some sugar and sprinkle of cinnamon. For a truly remarkable dish, make some whipped cream to dip the sweet platanos into.
Advice
- You can try making fried platanos for a party, Christmas or other occasions.
- Slice them thin for a crisper texture.
Warnings
- When you fry pay the usual attention.
- Let it cool before eating. The inside can take a very long time (and the outside will be a real temptation).
