Roatan Cuisine: Cooking with Plantains
A common culinary mistake made by tourists in the Caribbean is to confuse plantains with bananas. And no wonder, as they look almost exactly the same! However, plantains are typically larger and have a tougher skin than bananas. Where the difference really becomes apparent, however, is in how they taste. Bananas are much sweeter than plantains which have a starchier flavor profile. And you wouldn’t want to be eating a plantain without cooking it first, as they’re quite unpleasant raw. When it comes to Roatan cuisine: cooking with plantains is often an everyday occurrence. Preparation For Cooking With Plantains As mentioned, plantain peels can be quite tough - especially when green. Baking or boiling a plantain for 20 to 30 minutes can make removing the peel much easier. After cooking, cut off the plantain’s top and bottom and slice the skin lengthwise with a knife if need be. You should also be aware that plantain sap can stain your clothes and kitch