During a recent trip to Nicaragua, plantains (plátano in Spanish) were served as a side dish at many meals. I recall having them in Puerto Rico a few years ago but these were especially sweet. When I returned home, I bought two plantains at the local grocery store and let them turn almost black, the key to having a sweeter plantain. The plantain looks very much like a banana but is larger and harder to peel.
FRIED PLAINTAINS
2 ripe plantains
Oil for frying (olive or canola oil)
- Slice off the ends of the plantains, using a sharp knife. Slit the skin from tip to tip. Peel the skin off in one piece.
- Cut the plantain in half crosswise, the in 4 slices across each segment
- Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the plantains, a few pieces at a time, and sauté until lightly browned. Turn and sauté the second side. To caramelize the plantains cooked for up to 20 minutes on medium to medium-low heat.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the rest of the plantains. Sprinkle with a little salt. Serve hot.
This website is a great link to more information about cooking Plantains:
http://latinfood.about.com/od/latincaribbeancuisine101/a/about_plantains.htm
Fork Lore 
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