Recipe: Oven Roasted Sweet Plantain and Plantain with Spices

Oven-Roasted Sweet Plantains

2 or 3 large yellow plantains
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, allspice or cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut off the tips of the plantains. Place the plantains on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the skin is charred and puffy and the flesh is tender. Take the plantains out of the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice the plantains down the center lengthwise and peel back the skin. Cut the plantains in half (in terms of width), sprinkle with nutmeg and transfer to serving plates.

Servings: 4

Cook's notes:

It is important to use ripe yellow plantains for this recipe. If the plantains are green, store them at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Placing the plantains in a paper bag will expedite the process. Do not refrigerate them! Plantains are often fried, but roasting is a healthful and tasty alternative.

The Global Vegetarian: Adventures in a Meatless Kitchen.

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PLANTAIN WITH SPICES
From: the American Association of Cancer Research

Certain spice blends are associated with different cultures. In this dish, plantains are mixed with a sweet and spicy combination of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to conjure up a taste of the Caribbean.

1-1/2 Tbs. butter or canola oil
2 yellow plantains, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick on the diagonal
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over the medium-high heat, and cook the plantains with half of the spices for 4-5 minutes. Turn the plantains, sprinkle with the remaining spices and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes more.

Each of the four servings contains 129 calories and 5 grams of fat.