About two years ago I added these delicious banana-like plantains to the student menus. They’re pre-fried, baked, caramelized, ripe vegetables. Now that we’re serving in bulk for take-home meals, I’ve been getting word that some folks are confused by the plantains… in Florida. Although they’re an essential culinary element in other cultures and climes just a little South of here, murduros are included in my list of Things All Kids Should Know About, which also includes mango, kiwi, and yuca fries.
Native to Asia and well-loved through India and Africa, I first found plantains right here in my adopted Floridian hometown. One of the benefits of growing up amid the flavor and influence of Caribbean cultures, to be sure. These well-loved fruits are family-friendly classics in the Latin-American and African-American communities. I had no
Mofongo
https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-mofongo-recipe-2138186
This is a side dish most often made with green plantains but only requires some fresh garlic, sometimes bacon or pork rind.
Pastelón
Sometimes called Latin Lasagna, which is such a Euroentric simplification that it’s almost insulting. This dish is layered meat, vegetables, egg, and/or cheese. It’s literally different in every culture or even different families. Great way to use up leftovers, too! We tested this with students a while ago, but it needed more development time, and perhaps an organic introduction to their palates. The seven-times rule applies here, even in Florida, since it’s a traditional dish.
I used to make a dish with coconut milk in it. This is the closest to that I can find.
African comfort food.
https://www.villadianibeach.com/kenyan-recipe-plantains-in-coconut-milk/
Also best just baked with simple beans and rice! Complete proteins and a nicely balanced dish.
Can also be heated in a pan with some pantry staples as a dessert:
dominosugar.com/recipe/caramelized-plantains-platanos-maduros
This is one of the best side dishes we have, imo. Maybe some folks just don’t recognize it for what a great thing it is.
