Pan Fried Plantains, Please!

Right off the bat, I do not like bananas. It is a texture thing for me. Since they are a good source of potassium, I blend them into my protein shakes and banana bread. Since they are blended in, it is edible to me. I do not like banana pudding or cake, because those dishes have sliced bananas in them. Plantains look similar to bananas. For over two decades, I refused to try plantains.

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Last year, my sister convinced me to try some. She sliced yellow plantains up and fried them on a skillet with a thin layer of oil. When she was done, they were caramelized. Turns out, yellow plantains are delicious. Although plantains are called cooking bananas, they do not taste like bananas. Now, I make them for my eldest son and me. My husband does not like them, which means more for us.

Essentially, I miss judged this tropical fruit. They are great on their own or as a side. Sometimes, I eat plantains with my entree instead of potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese or so on. Also, I have one medium plantain and two hard-boiled eggs without yolk. Although it is a fruit, most cultures treat them like vegetables.

Most people do not eat plantains plain. Others bake them. Since they grow year round, they are an all season fruit. Sometimes, I buy Goya Plantain chips. Plantain chips are a great alternative to potatoes chips. Personally, I prefer green plantain chips over yellow plantain chips.

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Compared to other fruits, plantains are very affordable. I usually by about six a week. Most grocery stores I go to sell them by quantity. They are great on their own for breakfast, a snack between meals or a side for dinner.

This is my public service announcement: Bananas and plantains are not the same. Don’t judge a fruit by its peel.