Caramelized Ripe Plantains with a Kick
Experience the delightful sweetness of caramelized ripe plantains, a fascinating side dish that adds a tropical twist to any meal. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of plump, ripe plantains by sautéing them until golden brown, creating a perfectly soft interior and a delicious exterior. While the original recipe keeps it simple, our unique touch of hot sauce adds an exciting hint of spiciness to balance the sweetness. This dish is quick to prepare and is sure to impress your guests, making it a perfect accompaniment to both savory and sweet meals. Serve it warm and enjoy a taste of the tropics with every bite!
4
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plantains
4 (very ripe, peeled and sliced)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
Whole Cloves
2 (optional)
Cinnamon Sticks
2 (optional)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (optional, for sprinkling)
Hot Sauce
2-3 dashes (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the ripe plantains. Choose ones that are very ripe, with blackened skin for optimal sweetness. Make sure the pulp remains firm and has a sweet aroma.
2
Slice the plantains diagonally into thick pieces, about 1 inch wide.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. If desired, add the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flavor during cooking.
4
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the sliced plantains to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded; you may need to work in batches if your pan is small.
5
Sauté the plantains for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Flip them gently with a spatula to avoid breaking.
6
If desired, sprinkle with brown sugar during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt and coat the plantains for extra sweetness.
7
For those who enjoy a hint of heat, drizzle with 2-3 dashes of hot sauce just before removing from heat. Toss to combine.
8
Serve the sautéed plantains immediately as a vibrant side dish or a comforting dessert. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are caramelized ripe plantains?
Caramelized ripe plantains are a sweet tropical side dish or dessert made by sautéing very ripe plantains until they are golden brown and soft.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of caramelized plantains?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What type of plantains should I use for this recipe?
You should choose very ripe plantains with blackened skin for optimal sweetness and flavor.
How can I tell if a plantain is ripe enough?
The skin should be mostly black, the pulp should remain firm, and it should have a sweet aroma.
How should I slice the plantains?
The plantains should be sliced diagonally into thick pieces about 1 inch wide.
What is the 'kick' mentioned in the recipe name?
The kick refers to the addition of 2-3 dashes of hot sauce just before serving to balance the sweetness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for sautéing.
Are the cloves and cinnamon sticks necessary?
No, the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks are optional ingredients used to add extra flavor during cooking.
How long do the plantains need to cook?
The plantains should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using a vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.
What can I serve these plantains with?
They are a versatile side dish that pairs well with savory rice and beans or can be served alone as a dessert.
When should I add the brown sugar?
If you choose to use brown sugar, sprinkle it over the plantains during the last minute of cooking so it can melt and coat them.
How do I prevent the plantains from breaking in the pan?
Flip them gently with a spatula and ensure the pan is not overcrowded during the sautéing process.
Can I skip the hot sauce?
Yes, the hot sauce is optional if you prefer a purely sweet dish without any heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There are 10g of sugar per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains approximately 0.75g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 1.25g of fiber.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat them in a skillet or microwave.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include plantains, caramelized, sweet, side dish, dessert, tropical, simple, quick, vegetarian, and spicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 6 ingredients, including the optional spices and seasonings.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a slight hint of spiciness from the optional hot sauce, but it is primarily a sweet dish.
Can I add more hot sauce if I like more heat?
Yes, you can adjust the number of dashes to suit your personal heat preference.
What equipment is needed?
A large skillet and a spatula are the primary tools needed to prepare this dish.
How do I peel a ripe plantain?
Cut off both ends, make a shallow slit down the length of the skin with a knife, and then peel it away from the fruit.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is a quick recipe that takes about 15-20 minutes total to prepare and cook.