Fried Plantains With Powdered Sugarand Rum Recipes

SWEET FRIED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Heat about 1-inch of oil in heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 340 degrees F. Line a large plate with paper towels.
• Peel the plantains and discard the skins. Slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Fry the plantains in oil, turning occasionally, until a golden brown color, about 2 to 4 minutes. The longer the plantains fry the sweeter they are. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle the plantains with a little salt.
• Put the sugar and cinnamon in a brown bag, drop the warm plantains into the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Serve with rum whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
• Whip the cream just until soft peaks form. Add the rum and whip again, taking care not to over whip your cream. Serve now or refrigerate until ready to serve.

PATACONES (FRIED GREEN PLANTAINS) - PANAMá

Steps:

• Put the 4 cups warm water & ~1 Tbsp salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
• Cut ends from each plantain w/ a small, sharp knife, then cut lengthwise slit thru peel. Beginning at slit, pry off peel (getting your thumb between the peel & the plantain helps).
• Cut plantains crosswise into 1-inch thick pieces & place in bowl of warm salted water. Let sit 15-20 minute (This step adds flavor & also gets rid of some of the starch from the plantains.).
• Heat oil (enough so that it is about 1/2" deep) in a 10-12" heavy skillet over MEDIUM heat until the oil is just hot enough to sizzle when a small "tester" piece of plantain is added.
• Remove plantain pieces from the water & blot (completely) dry w/ paper towels.
• Place plantain pieces in the oil (do not crowd the skillet w/ plantains; do 2 batches if needed). Fry plantains, turning occasionally w/ tongs, until tender & just beginning to turn golden color, ~5-7 minutes.
• Remove plantain pieces w/ tongs to a flat (non-stick) surface. Spray the bottom of a glass tumbler or mug w/ non-stick cooking spray. Using gentle pressure, flatten each plantain piece to ~1/4" thickness. Slide glass off of plantain.
• Return flattened plantains to oil (over MEDIUM heat). Fry (turning occasionally w/ tongs) until plantains are golden brown in color, 3-4 minutes.
• Transfer plantains to a plate w/ a fresh paper towel, but DO NOT BLOT. Sprinkle w/ salt & serve immediately, w/ ketchup (optional).

FRIED PLANTAINS WITH POWDERED SUGAR...AND RUM

Steps:

• In large fry pan, add 1 tblsp oil. Heat oil to medium stage and lay each strip in the pan.(Fry 1 plantain in each batch). When the strips start to turn a golden brown, flip then over and add a little more oil.Fry the other side until golden and brown.
• There will not be much oil left in the pan.
• Sprinkle a little rum over the strips if desired.
• Sprinkle a little nutmeg on one side.
• A dash of salt on the strips.
• Take out the strips and place on a warm plate. Keep warm in a 250° oven.
• Fry the second batch. Follow the steps.
• Fry the third batch. Follow the steps.
• When the frying is completed, take out the plates. Cut the strips in half of the length. Roll up and secure with toothpick.
• Place back on plate.
• Let the strips cool, then take out the toothpicks. The plantains will hold the rolled shape.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving. You can serve warm or cold, but if you serve warm the powdered sugar will soak in and you have have to pass separate powdered sugar, I pass a separate sifter after serving and each person can sift their own sugar on their serving.