Baked Sweet Plantain Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200c/400f (gas mark 6)
2. Place plantain in a bowl, spray with cooking oil spray,
3. Add the paprika and toss until the plantain pieces are evenly coated.
4. Place in an ovenproof dish (well spaced out)
5. Spray over the top with a little more cooking oil spray.
6. Place in the oven and bake for approx 30 minutes, it should be lovely, golden and caramelized.
7. Season to taste with sea salt.
8. Serve with your choice of dish or they can be eaten just as they are – delicious!!

Tips:

1. Choose the Right Plants: Select ripe plants with yellow skin and black spots. This indicates they are sweet and perfect for this recipe. Green plants will be starchy and not as sweet.
2. Uniform Slicing: Try to cut the plantains into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly, and you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
3. Paprika Varieties: You mentioned using non-smoked paprika, but you can experiment with different types of paprika for varied flavors. Smoked paprika will add a smoky depth, while sweet paprika will enhance the natural sweetness of the plantains.
4. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the plants as they bake. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your plantain pieces and the peculiarities of your oven. They should be golden brown and caramelized when done.
5. Season to Taste: After baking, taste a piece and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more sea salt or even a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend for extra flavor.
6. Serving Options: These caramelized plantains are versatile. Serve them as a side dish with savory meals, as a topping for salads, or even as a sweet snack. They pair well with various dipping sauces or a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist.