Plantainsaladimoyo Recipes

FRIED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Trim both ends of the plantains, then use a paring knife to make 3 lengthwise cuts through the skins (try to avoid cutting into the flesh). Space the cuts evenly apart across each plantain. Gently peel away the skins, using the cuts as guides. Slice the flesh on a slight bias into 3/4-inch pieces, for about 24 pieces total.
• Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, dip the edge of 1 plantain piece into the oil. It should immediately start to bubble vigorously. If not, allow the oil to heat up for another minute. If the oil is ready, carefully add half of the plantains in an even layer. Cook until browned in spots on the first side, about 2 minutes, then use a slotted metal spatula to flip. Cook on the second side until browned in spots, about 2 minutes.
• Flip the plantains again, immediately lower the heat to medium and continue to cook the plantains until they are very tender and deeply browned, 4 to 8 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the ripeness of your plantains and some pieces may cook faster than others, but you can just remove them as they finish cooking.
• Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Season generously with salt on both sides. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining plantains, adding more oil if needed to maintain 1/4 inch.

PLANTAIN SALAD IMOYO

Steps:

• Peel the plantains by cutting through the peel lengthwise and sliding your fingers under the skin to pull it off.
• Place the whole plantains in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover; bring to a boil and simmer for about ten minutes or until plantains are soft enough to pierce with a fork (If you use ripe ones which have gone yellow and are developing black spots, 10 minutes will be fine--the green ones will take longer and won't taste as good).
• Drain the plantains and set aside to cool.
• While the plantains are cooking, peel and seed the green pepper and slice it into long thin slices.
• Seed and chop the red pepper.
• Peel, seed and dice the cucumber and place in a bowl with the peppers.
• Whisk the oil, lime juice, salt and pepper, and garlic (if you are using it--I like it) together until creamy; this will take a couple of minutes.
• Slice the cooled plantains on the diagonal into 1/2" pieces and add to the vegetables in the bowl.
• Pour the marinade over and mix well.
• Serve at room temperature.
• Note: This salad is best if made an hour or so in advance so the flavors can 'marry' -- I find it needs more salt and pepper at the table--a matter of taste.

PLATANOS MADUROS (FRIED YELLOW PLANTAINS)

Steps:

• Peel and slice the plantains in half crosswise, then again lengthwise. Cut each piece into 2 or 3 1/4-inch slices.
• Heat the oil (a depth of about 1/2 inch) in an cast-iron skillet until very hot. Add the plantain slices and fry until soft and golden brown, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.