Plantains are a fantastic member of the banana family, though quite different from a banana. They are lower in sugar and have a higher starch content. Unlike bananas, they are not good to bite into raw. However, they are perfect for cooking with! They caramelize as they cook, which makes them very sweet, and the starch creates a dough-like texture.
These can be breakfast, lunch or dinner and they are super quick and easy to make!! Chocolate sauce or salsa? It’s up to you!
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe plantain (the skin should be mostly black)
- Grape seed or olive oil for pan
- Salt
Preparation:
Serves 2 to 4
Total Prep and Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Peel and place the plantain in a small mixing bowl. Use a large fork to mash it until it’s pretty smooth (a few lumps are ok).
Coat a medium sized saute pan with the oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop the mashed plantain into the pan. Add as many 1/4 cup scoops to the pan that will fit with a bit of space between them. You should hear a sizzle when you add each one to the pan. If you don’t the pan isn’t hot enough. Wait until for the sizzle!
Cook to brown the pancakes, about 2 minutes per side. They will be slightly fragile, so use a firm, flat bottomed, metal spatula to flip and remove them carefully.
