Platanos Maduros

By Side Passion

The sweet fried "banana" served as a side dish in just about every Cuban restaurant.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe plantains
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil, or lard (to cover half the thickness of plantains in the pan)

Preparation

Step 1

Peel and bias cut (diagonal) into one-inch thick slices. Heat the oil until medium hot -- a drop of water will sizzle.

Fry the pieces briefly, about a minute or two per side. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, turning occasionally until they are brown and caramelized.

VARIATION: Some people like to lightly roll the plantains in white or brown sugar before frying.