Is plantain from the Caribbean?
Fried ripe plantains have a crispy, caramelized texture and irresistibly sweet taste. It’s a ubiquitous Caribbean dish that is served with almost every meal, and it’s enjoyed in other parts of the world as well.
Is plantain Caribbean or African?
Plantains can be found all over the Caribbean and Central America, but they were not always native to these areas. Plantains are indigenous to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They made their way along trade routes to Africa and then were brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish and African slave traders.
What ethnicity is fried plantains?
What is this? Plantains are to Puerto Ricans like potatoes are to Americans. We fry them when they are still green to make tostones, we mash them to make mofongo, we slice them thinly and fry them to create plantain chips, and we pan fry them in butter once ripe to make maduros.
How do you make fried plantain fritters?
Directions
- Place plantains in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Add the flour, onion, salt and pepper; cover and process until blended (batter will be moist).
- In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat 1/4 in. of oil to 375°. Drop tablespoons of batter, a few at a time, into hot oil.
How did plantains get to Caribbean?
Through trade, slavery, and colonization, the plantains found new homes in the Western Hemisphere. History tells us that plantains are indigenous to equator-bordering lands in Southeast Asia. Spanish and African slave traders brought the fruit with them to the Caribbean on slave ships.
Who brought plantain to the Caribbean?
The Journey of Plantain to the Caribbean From there the fruit was taken to the canary islands, and then from the canary islands to the Caribbean through Santa Domingo by a Portuguese Franciscan monk. One must also consider the popularity of the plantain in Africa when looking at the foods journey to the Caribbean.
Why are plantains important to Caribbean culture?
Spanish and African slave traders brought the fruit with them to the Caribbean on slave ships. Plantains proved to be a cheap and filling provision for enslaved men and women. The abundance of plantains and their versatility made them the staple ingredient that they are today.
What do you eat with plantain fritters?
Serving. If served at breakfast plantain fritters is eaten with scrambled egg. Because of its sweet taste, plantain fritters are also eaten on its own at any time of the day.
What goes well with plantain fritters?
This plantain fritter recipe is your answer, the plantain fritters are colorful and incredibly tasty. Serve them alone or with your favorite dipping sauce, or with Jamaican Jerk Sauce, Vegan Sour Cream, Vegan BBQ Sauce.
Why are plantains popular in the Caribbean?
Which country invented plantains?
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
How do you make Jamaican plantain chips?
Instructions
- Cut off ends of green plantains and score skin along one side.
- Place plantains in warm water and soak for 5 minutes; remove skin.
- Use a mandolin or hand-slice the plantain thinly.
- Heat 1 cup (250 mL) cooking oil in pot or skillet; fry chips in batches until crispy; 1 to 3 minutes depending on thickness.
What does ripe plantain give to the body?
The high amount of potassium found in plantains is essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control your heart rate and blood pressure. The fiber in plantains also helps lower your cholesterol, which in turn keeps your heart functioning at its best.
Is Caribbean food similar to African food?
Most Caribbean locals eat a diet today that includes many of the same ingredients of the original dishes created by their African ancestors, that includes cassava, sweet potato, yams, plantain, bananas and cornmeal. While native to Africa, callaloo is a popular Caribbean food.
Where is plantain originally from?
Southeast Asia
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
What cultures use plantains?
What is plantain fritters?
Sweet ripe plantain crushed and mixed with flour and spice t hen fried for the soft lovely d ish. Plantain fritters is a fried batter made with very ripe plantain, plain flour and flavoured with sugar, salt and spices.
Can plantain be baked?
However, plantains can also be baked. The versatile fruit is found in numerous sweet and savory dishes. Fried plantain is a popular side dish in Caribbean cuisine. It goes well with rice and beans or any savory type dish. Plantain fritters can be found in about most Caribbean restaurants or street side vendors.
What does a plantain taste like?
A plantain is more like a potato in taste and in texture. But when it is fully ripe, it is much sweeter. A ripe plantain is black in color and the sweetness is almost like caramelized sugar. A fully ripe plantain is mostly black in color. Typically a plantain is sold green at the market.
Can you freeze plantains?
Plantains also freeze well and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. In the Caribbean, plantains are considered a staple. Most of the time, plantains are fried. However, plantains can also be baked. The versatile fruit is found in numerous sweet and savory dishes.