Sweet Plantain Fries

Sweet Plantain Fries

Like maduros or dodo, these feature ripe plantains, but the cut here gives even more room for crisp, caramelized outsides and sweet, tender insides. You want very ripe plantains, which are high in sugars that will caramelize in the hot oil. For some brightness, you could also finish this with citrus salt, or take a cue from dodo and squeeze lime juice over. Pair these with something light and spicy, like jerk salmon or a citrusy roast chicken, or something light off the grill, like a salmon or turkey burger.
  • Total:
  • Serves: 2 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Use a paring knife to cut a slit along the length of the plantains, carefully avoiding cutting into the flesh. Remove and discard peels. Slice plantains in half crosswise, then quarter each piece lengthwise into 4 wedges. (Each piece should be about the size of a chunky fry.)
  2. Step 2

    Pour about 1½ inch of neutral oil into a medium Dutch oven or high-sided cast-iron skillet and heat over medium. When the oil shimmers, fry the plantains in batches until golden brown, flipping carefully with a slotted spoon, about 3 minutes and up to 6 minutes. (If any of the plantains stick to the bottom of the pot at first, release them carefully so they do not burn.) The plantains should be caramelized and slightly crisp at the edges but still tender in the middle.
  3. Step 3

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season with salt to taste and repeat with remaining plantains. Serve immediately.