Growing up in a bi-cultural home, I have had my share of plantains – sweet plantains, crispy plantains, soft plantains, you name it. Today, I am going to talk about a plantain recipe – plátanos en tentación Panameña. No doubt, platanos dulces are popular in Panama. It is often served alongside typical food of Panama.
If you come here much, you know I have already blogged about Panameñan platanos maduros and patacones.
What are Plantains?
In Spanish, plantains are referred to as “platanos.” Plantains are related to bananas. However, you should never eat plantains right out of the peel, as you do typical bananas.
Plantain recipes abound. As I mentioned above, there are various methods for preparation – such as maduros or patacones which change the flavor and texture of the plantain. However, plantains are always cooked in some way.
So now you know plátanos in English. And you know that plantains and plátanos are the same, but bananas and plantains are not exactly the same!
Here is a short but informational read on the difference between bananas and plantains.
What Does Tentación Mean in English?
No doubt, you may wonder what does tentación mean in English? Basically, in English tentación means “temptation” – roughly, anyway. All you really need to know is this is one sweet plantain recipe you will have a hard time turning away from.
For these caramelized plantains, you need plantains that are ripe but not black.
How to Make Plátanos en Tentación – Glazed Sweet Plantains
Though some glazed plantain recipes are a bit more involved, this recipe is one of the easiest sweet plantain recipes out there! It seriously takes 1-2 minutes of prep! Some people bake plátanos en tentación. My mom always pan-fries hers in a bit of butter, and I do the same.
To make these yummy sweet plantains, you need to slice the plantains in half lengthwise.
Next, in a cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet, add ¼ cup sliced butter. Following, you will add two tablespoons of brown sugar to the sizzling butter. Then, simply add your sliced plantains and let them simmer a bit. Optionally, you can sprinkle on another tablespoon of brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon over the plantains while they simmer.
The whole point is to bring the plantains to a caramelized texture – which make take 15-20 minutes on low heat. If your heat is turned up too high, you risk burning the edges of the plantains. Don’t ask me how I know.
These caramelized plantains are absolutely scrumptious! And, did I mention easy? These sweet plantains may be the easiest side dish yet! Make this sweet plantain dish as a side item for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a plátanos dessert!
Platanos en Tentacion – Caramelized Plantains
Ingredients
- 3 Plantains ripe (dark yellow and not overly black)
- ¼ cup Butter sliced into pats
- 3 tbso Brown Sugar divided
- 1 tsp Cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Peel plantains and slice lengthwise to have 6 long pieces.
- Heat cast iron or heavy skillet over low-medium heat.
- Add pats of butter.
- Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar to sizzling butter.
- Carefully, place sliced plantains into pan so each plantain is flat against the bottom of the pan.
- Optionally, add the additional 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and the teaspoon of cinnamon over the tops of the plantains.
- Allow plantains to simmer on low heat for 7-10 minutes per side or until each side reaches a golden color and a caramelized texture.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
ashok
Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.