Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with this delectable recipe for Plátanos Maduros. Known for its rich culinary heritage, Costa Rican cuisine offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory tastes, and plátanos maduros perfectly encapsulate this essence.

In this recipe, ripe plantains are transformed into a mouthwatering dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its caramelized sweetness and hint of savory notes. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a satisfying snack, plátanos maduros are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Costa Rica as we explore the simple yet exquisite flavors of plátanos maduros. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, bringing a taste of tropical paradise to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

1- Peel the plantains: Start by peeling the ripe plantains. To make this easier, slice off both ends of the plantains and then make a shallow cut along the length of each plantain. Peel off the skin using your fingers or a knife.

2- Slice the plantains: Cut the peeled plantains into diagonal slices, about 1/2 inch thick. You can adjust the thickness according to your preference, but keep in mind that thinner slices will cook faster.

3- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it's hot but not smoking.

4- Fry the plantains: Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Use tongs to flip the slices halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

5- Drain excess oil: Once the plantains are fried to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the hot plantains for a savory contrast to their sweetness.

6- Optional sweet coating: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can sprinkle sugar over the hot plantains while they're still in the pan. Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize slightly, coating the plantains with a delicious sugary glaze.

7- Serve warm: Plátanos maduros are best enjoyed hot off the pan. Serve them as a sweet side dish alongside your favorite main course, or simply savor them as a delightful snack on their own.

8- Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and indulge in the irresistible combination of caramelized sweetness and savory goodness that plátanos maduros have to offer. ¡Buen provecho!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the recipe:

Ripe Plantains (per 100g):

• Calories: 122 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31.9g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 14.8g
• Vitamin A: 1127 IU
• Vitamin C: 18.4mg
• Potassium: 358mg

benefits:

• Rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and regulating blood pressure.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and overall health.
• Contains natural sugars for energy and sweetness without added refined sugars.

Vegetable Oil (per 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Vitamin E: 1.9mg
• Vitamin K: 8.1µg

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Offers energy-dense calories for cooking and frying applications.

Salt (pinch):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Helps enhance flavor and balance sweetness in the dish.
• Provides trace amounts of essential minerals like sodium, which is necessary for fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

Sugar (per 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 49 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12.6g
• Sugar: 12.6g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and caramelization to the dish.
• Provides quick energy due to its simple carbohydrate content.
• Enhances the overall taste and enjoyment of the plátanos maduros.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size and variety of the ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values are based on standard reference data and may differ slightly depending on specific brands or preparation methods.