Plátano Asado
Oven-Baked Plantains
6 servings
Baked plantains* are a good side dish that can be prepared one or two days ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated in sealed bags or foil, and reheated by placing them in a 375º F preheated oven, wrapped in foil for 15 minutes or until they reach serving temperature. Plantains are eaten in every home in the country almost every day of the week.
2 very ripe plantains*
2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 pound white farmer’s cheese* (optional)
1/4 pound guava paste (optional)
1. The plantains for this dish have to be very ripe, the peel almost black, but still have to be firm to the touch. When you press them gently, they should not feel mushy inside; if they are, the taste will be rancid and overripe. If you buy green plantains and wait for them to ripen it might take a week or so. Do not refrigerate them or they will not ripen well. It is better to buy plantains fully ripe or only a couple of days before, as this ensures you they haven't been refrigerated and will ripen fully without getting mushy.
2. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Cut the ends off the plantains and peel; leave whole.
3. Place in a baking dish. Spread the butter all over the plantains. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. When you remove the foil, the plantains should look golden, and feel cooked through the center.
For Simple Baked Plantains:
5. Sprinkle the sugar all over the plantains and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes or until the sugar has melted and they look lightly browned.
For Plantains with Cheese:
5. Slice the plantains lengthwise but do not go all the way though. Cut the cheese into 1/2 inch thick strips. Arrange the cheese in the slits of the plantains and sprinkle with the sugar. Bake uncovered until the cheese warms up and melts, about 8 minutes.
For Plantains with Cheese and Guava:
5. Slice the plantains lengthwise but do not go all the way though. Cut the cheese and guava paste into 1/2 inch thick strips. Arrange the cheese and the guava paste in the slits of the plantains and sprinkle with the sugar. Bake uncovered until the cheese and guava paste warm up and cheese melts, about 8 to 10 minutes.
