Platanos Maduros Fritos or Fried Ripe Plantain Bananas

One of my favorite things to eat in Ecuador are the fried plantain bananas.

I love them both ripe and green, with cheese or without cheese.

As a side or just by themselves.

In any way you want to eat them, they are true delish!

Here is a very simple recipe for fried ripe plantain bananas.

If you want to enjoy them as a snack, I recommended preparing, and eating, them with cheese.

But we mostly eat them as a side for some other dish.

To add the flavor and give that little extra to the meal.

Ingredients

 (for two people)

2 ripe plantains

1-2 tbs oil for frying, can use rape, sunflower, peanut or soya oil

Optional:

Cheese for sprinkling or melting on top: You can use queso fresco or feta if you want to experience the saltiness contrast with the sweetness of the plantain. Other options include grated mozzarella if you prefer the yummy gooiness of melted cheese.

Also important to note that using the peanut oil gives the plantains a very different taste. And should only be used if you are certain that there are no one with peanut allergy eating.

Instructions

1. Wash and peel the plantains

2. Slice the plantains, the best way to slice them is either diagonally or cut the plantain in half and slice lengthwise. The plantain can also be sliced lengthwise full size, but the smaller diagonal or half slices are easier to manage.

3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large frying pan and add the plantains, try first with a smaller piece of plantain that the oil is hot enough

4. The plantains will cook very quickly, make sure to turn them before they burn and cook until golden on each side. You can use a spatula or a fork to turn them. If the plantain flesh is still pink or white it means that it is not yet fully cooked.

5. Place the cooked plantains on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

6. Serve warm