Plantains are part of the banana family, but unlike the yellow bananas that we eat raw, they must be cooked. Blackened, sweet plantains are almost always fried. Plantains are eaten in many parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, and even Taiwan and Okinawa! No matter where or how you eat these starchy fruits, plantains are a nutritious and delicious treat.

To make this special Cuban dish, you can buy ripe (black) plantains or ripen green ones. Be sure to ask an adult for help with the frying! Fried sweet plantains are best served Cuban-style with black beans, rice, and meat or fish.

You Will Need:

• ¼ cup butter



• 1 tablespoon olive oil



• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and cut diagonally in 1-inch slices



• Juice from half a lemon



• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Have an adult melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Turn the heat down to low. With an adult’s help, gently place the plantains into the skillet.

3. Fry each plantain slice for about 4 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
(Push slices around with a spatula to prevent sticking.)

4. Put the plantains on a platter, sprinkle with lemon juice and salt, and serve. ¡Delicioso!