Sweet Plantains

Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Sweet Plantains are filling, easy to make, and are a great snack, side dish or dessert.  They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, and also contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C and B6. In addition, plantains are inexpensive - you can usually get a few for less than a dollar.  

Plantains grow in tropical countries and are a staple in Africa, Central America, coastal South America, and the Caribbean islands. They can usually be found easily in grocery stores in most parts of the world. In the early stage of ripeness, the skin is green and the flesh inside is tough and starchy.  Then, the skin turns from yellow to spotted to black. At that point, the starches convert to sugars and the fruit becomes soft. Both forms are delicious. 

For sweet plantains, use fruits that have spotted or black skins with tender flesh. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain.  Either roast them in the oven or pop them in the air fryer which requires less oil. 

SWEET PLANTAINS

Ingredients: 

2 sweet plantains
olive oil to spray

INSTRUCTIONS: 

IN AIR FRYER: 

1. Cut the ends off the plantains.
2. With a paring knife, cut a slit along the length of the peel.
3. Gently remove the skin and place them in the air fryer.
4. Spray the tops of the plantains with oil.
5. Air fry for eight minutes on one side, then turn them over and air fry for another eight minutes.
6. Remove from air fryer, slice and serve.

IN OVEN: 

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Coat a nonstick baking or cooking sheet with oil.
3. Cut the ends off the plantains.
4. With a paring knife, cut a slit along the length of the peel and gently remove the skin.
5. Cut the plantains on a diagonal into 1/2 inch slices.
6. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and spray the tops with oil (or rub oil on them).
7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until plantains are golden brown.
8. Plate and enjoy!

Images & Copyright Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy   

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is a Harvard Business School-trained Strategist, Mind-Body Expert, Award-Winning Author, Keynote Speaker and Activist.  She is Founder & CEO of Power Living and creator of Elder Dignity.  Selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, her mission is to unleash human potential and create a more just and sustainable world.

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