You would think these are bananas…but they aren’t! They are plantains. They are related to bananas but they are not bananas. They must be cooked, they can not be eaten raw. Until I bought this plantain, to my knowledge I have never had one before unless someone snuck it into my food without telling me.
I have a lot of food phobias. I can be a creature of habit but at the same time, I crave new food experiences. Because of not wanting to waste money by risking being disappointed with my food, I will be the last one experimenting at a restaurant. I realized that by doing this, unless I bought new ingredients myself, I would never get to try new foods. So I spent 79 cents and picked up this beaten up and old-looking banana (which is how you are supposed to pick them) and got over one of my food phobias.
Recently I tried making my less-spicy version of jerk chicken, since you know I can not handle habarnero peppers. I saw a wonderful woman who cooks for the Real Jerk Restaurant on Christine Cushing Live and replaced the habaneroes with seedless chipotles and added a fresh jalapeno and it was quite delicious. I needed something to go with the dish and remembered she also fried up some plantains:
No seasoning, no nothing. Just slice it up and fry it in a pan with oil. Wow, does it ever sear! And STICK! But they eventually come off when they are ready, no removing them early though.
The taste? Very subtle, not strong. A little starchy and a tad sweet. I liked them very much when they got crunchy. My husband who is a non-adventurous eater really like them! That’s two for two. Maybe you will like plantains too?
Plantains are even better for you than bananas. High in potassium, low in fat and will even help improve your skin and keep your immunity strong…why would we not eat them?
You can find plantains at most typical grocery stores, that is where I picked up mine. Do yourself a favour and get beyond your typical shopping habits. I know it is hard, we fall into habits of familiarity but it is fun to try new things.
Each week I want to try a new food. I want to get passed my own personal issues with food and reach beyond the usual. I want my adventurous spirit to have new foodie experiences and I will share them with you here. Do not be afraid of the unknown, it may end up being delicious.
I love love LOVE plantain. If you get them when they’re ripe they’re soft and super sweet and frying them with a touch of brown sugar gives them a slight caramelling which is truly to die for. Perfect on the side of jerk chicken :).
Did you know you can make plantain chips?? mmm.
I’m so annoyed that they haven’t put foodtv on line yet. I can’t watch these wonderful shows without a television and the Real Jerk Restaurant in Toronto is one of my favourite places of all time. (I’ve been going there since I was about 12, thanks to the adventurous food spirit of my brother!)
I can’t wait till you try a rambutan/mamón chino! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambutan … my ultimate favourite fruit of all time 🙂
Plantains are the best! Frying seems to be the common way of preparing them. I do one more step than you did here: start with thicker slices, brown both sides, then take them out and smash them flat with the side of a knife! Then fry the smashed plantains and season with salt and cayenne pepper. Yum!
Keep experimenting with food, don’t be afraid!
You inspire me in ways I am not even aware of. The other day I made a dinner of leeks, baby potatoes, and artichoke hearts sauteed in olive oil and a pat of butter with fresh dill and salt. To finish it off I made a Greek creamy sauce of beaten eggs and lemon juice. It was delish! 🙂
Ooo, I echo Michelle above – I love rambutans!!! They’re usually canned in very heavy syrup, so just remember they’re very sweet.
I also like plantain, though I haven’t ever cooked it at home.
Suzie I am glad to see you back on blogger. This blog rocks girl!
Definitely not bananas but OH SO GOOD!!
Suzie,
I’ve never purchased a “raw” plantain. Just yesterday, I opened up a bag of Terra Chips which had the most delicious thin sliced plantain chips. I’m a big fan. Much less sweeter than a banana. It almost tastes more like a veggie.
Jane
I don’t think I’ve ever tried plantains before because unknown foods definitely scare me too! But now that I know you can just slice them up and fry them, I might give them a shot. Or, tell my husband to give them a shot and make them for me some time.
Another option is to slice the plantains thinly and lay them on a silicone baking sheet. Season as desired (Jerk is my weakness) and then dry in a very low oven overnight. Crisp, spicy and downright good!!!!
I have never tried plantain. I’ve seen them everytime I go grocery shopping but pass them by. I must try them I had no idea that they go crunchy! Will you try them again?
Cool. I see plantains all the time in the grocery store, but there just one of those “weird” fruits I never knew what to do with.
This is a totally cool post…I’m gonna have to give it a try.
Oh- and I have a bizarre, irrational fear of shellfish… don’t like the smell, so I’ve never even tasted lobster or anything. (Afraid I’ll be one of those people who die 10 seconds after the first bite from an allergic reaction). Phobia? I definitely think so!
My cousin makes plantain chips and they’re pretty good. They really don’t taste like anything, but they’re good for you. Definitely worth eating.
I love plantains. They are popular here in New York with the big Latino population.