Big plate of Maduros

When were ordering online for our groceries, we ordered bananas. However, when they came, we found out that they were actually plantains! So, we thought that it was a good idea to make Maduros: fried cuban plantains that accompany cuban dishes and black beans and rice. The thing with Maduros is that they don't require many ingredients, nor do they take long to make. Some recipes call for sugar in Maduros, but as long as they are ripened enough, the natural sugars in the plantains make them sweet enough.

Making the Maduros:

This is how you want your plantains, more or less. They need to be yellow with some black streaks in them. If they are too green, they will be hard and not really sweet. If they are too black, they will become mushy and not hold there shape as well.

Two ripened plantains, unpeeled.

Next, you need to peel the plantains, you can cut off the top tip of the plantain if you want them to be a little bit more uniform.

2 peeled plantains

Cut the plantains at a slight angle spaced about 3/4" in thickness. The maduros that are typically served in cuban restaurants are cut like these.

Diagonally cut plantain pieces

In a large pan, heat 1/4 cup. oil (we used coconut oil) over medium heat.

Pan of unmelted coconut oil

Pan of melted coconut oil

Once the oil is heated, fry the plantain pieces on one side for about 2 minutes or until golden and caramelized.

Maduros frying on one side

After the 2 minutes, flip the maduros over and fry for 2 minutes more. This is optional, but this is the time to season the maduros with ground cinnamon and freshly ground salt.

Maduros fried on both sides

Maduros fried on both sides with cinnamon and salt

Now you have a big plate of maduros! Just make sure to place some paper towels in order to drain some of the grease away like french fries.

Big plate of Maduros

He is how you can serve them: on a separate small plate. You can also serve them on a larger plate alongside your meal such as mojo chicken and black beans and rice.

A plate of freshly prepared Maduros.