Bananas fritas

bananas_fritas

Cuban cuisine typically has a rich and diverse flavor profile that owes itself to a blend of various cultural influences from Africa, Spain, and the Caribbean. One such delight that is a favorite of many Cuba lovers is the popular Cuban bananas fritas. This delightful and fun dessert is easy to make and captures the essence of Cuban cuisine with its sweet-savory taste and wonderful aroma.

Cuban bananas fritas, also known as fried sweet plantains, are sweet and delicious. The dish is a classic Cuban treat that is eaten at any time of the day, and it is especially popular as a snack, dessert, or side dish to the country’s famous delicacies, such as lechón asado (roasted pork), Cuban sandwiches, or black beans.

The Cuban bananas fritas recipe is simple yet has a distinctively delicious taste. The recipe requires just a few ingredients, including ripe plantains, oil, and sugar. Most traditional Cuban recipes call for ripe plantains, which are lightly fried until they turn a golden brown color. Some recipes also include a sprinkle of salt, cinnamon, or vanilla for added flavor. However, the basic recipe is simple and provides an excellent base for experimenting with flavorings and variations.

The first step in making this recipe is to select the ripest plantains you can find. You want the plantains to be soft and yellow with some black spots on their skin. This way, they are perfectly ripe, and they will have a sweeter flavor. Once you have selected your ripe plantains, peel them and slice them at an angle into 1/4 inch thick rounds. You may also choose to slice them into long strips like French fries.

Next, heat the oil in a frying pan until it is hot. If you are using regular cooking oil, it is best to use one that has a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced plantains to the pan and fry them until they are golden brown. Depending on the size of your frying pan, you may need to do this in batches. Remember to flip the plantains once or twice during cooking to ensure that they are evenly browned.

Once the plantains are golden brown, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. You can then sprinkle some sugar over the Cuban banana fritas while they are still hot, allowing the sugar to melt slightly and form a slightly caramelized finish.

In conclusion, Cuban bananas fritas are a straightforward but delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack or accompany any Cuban meal. The crisp golden brown plantain slices with their chewy texture and sweet and savory combination of flavors make a perfect meal of its own. You can experiment with various other spices, sauces, or toppings to make the dish even more flavorful. This delightful and easy-to-make recipe has the power to transport you to the heart of Cuba, wherever you may be.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Peel the bananas and cut them into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick.

  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.

  3. Add water to the dry ingredients to make a smooth batter.

  4. Dip the banana slices in the batter, ensuring that they are completely coated.

  5. In a frying pan, heat an inch of oil over medium-high heat.

  6. Fry the banana slices until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  7. Place the fried banana slices on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

  8. Optional: sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the bananas for added sweetness.

  9. Serve the Cuban Bananas Fritas as a side dish or dessert. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.