If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth and try something new, Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain (Platano En Almibar) is a must-try. This traditional Puerto Rican dessert has a sweet and syrupy flavor that will take your taste buds on a sweet trip. One serving (1/2 Plantain with syrup) contains 371 calories.

Apart from the delicious taste, Candied Ripe Plantains are also rich in nutrients. They are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, and they also contain moderate amounts of potassium and magnesium. This makes them a healthier alternative to many other indulgent desserts you may be tempted to have.

In this article, we'll explore the history of Candied Ripe Plantains, the ways to prepare it, how you can make it vegan, and lots more. So, let's dive in and discover why this dessert is a favorite in Latin American cuisine.

Traditional Puerto Rican Dessert

Candied Ripe Plantains have a long history in Puerto Rican cuisine, with the first known recipe dating back to the 16th century. The dish, also known as Platano en Almibar, became widespread in the 19th century when sugar became widely available. It has been a staple in Puerto Rican homes and a popular dessert for special occasions ever since. The dish is made by simmering ripe plantains in a syrup made of water, sugar, and cinnamon. The result is soft, tender, and sweet plantains that are perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. If you want to impress your friends and family with an authentic Puerto Rican dessert, Candied Ripe Plantains should definitely be on your list.

Sweet and Syrupy Flavor

The key characteristic of Candied Ripe Plantains is the sweet and syrupy flavor. The plantain is naturally sweet, but when simmered in a cinnamon and sugar syrup, the sweetness is enhanced, and the result is a dessert that is both sweet and flavorful. The texture of the plantain becomes soft and tender as the syrup is absorbed, making it a pleasure to eat. The dish is usually served hot, which makes it ideal for cold winter nights or when you need a warm and comforting dessert. However, it can also be served cold, which makes it perfect for summer days when you need to cool down. Overall, the sweet and syrupy flavor of Candied Ripe Plantains makes it a unique and flavorful dessert that you won't want to miss.

High Calorie Content

While Candied Ripe Plantains are delicious and rich in nutrients, they are also high in calories. One serving (1/2 Plantain with syrup) contains 371 calories, which is a significant portion of your daily calorie intake. If you are watching your weight, you may want to enjoy this dessert in moderation or as an occasional treat. However, if you are an active individual with a high calorie requirement, Candied Ripe Plantains can be a great dessert option. They provide a quick and efficient source of energy that can help you power through your workouts and daily activities. Overall, if you like sweet and flavorful desserts but are conscious of your calorie intake, Candied Ripe Plantains can be a great choice when consumed in moderation and alongside a healthy diet.

Uses Ripe Plantains

Candied Ripe Plantains are made using ripe plantains that are starting to turn yellow or black. Ripe plantains are naturally sweeter and softer than green plantains, which makes them perfect for this dish. The plantains are peeled and cut into halves or quarters, depending on their size. The slices are then simmered in a syrup made of water, sugar, and cinnamon until they become soft and tender. Another great thing about using ripe plantains is that they are easy to find and inexpensive. You can usually find them in most grocery stores or Latin American markets. If you can't find them, you can also use bananas as a substitute. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a great way to make use of ripe plantains and enjoy a delicious and healthy dessert at the same time.

Easy to Make at Home

Despite their exotic name and rich flavor, Candied Ripe Plantains are surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is a few ripe plantains, some sugar, water, and cinnamon. The dish requires only a few steps and minimal preparation, making it a perfect dessert option for even the busiest days. To make Candied Ripe Plantains, you will need to peel and slice the plantains, make the syrup, and then simmer the plantains in the syrup for about 20-30 minutes. The dish is ready when the plantains are soft and tender and have absorbed most of the syrup. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a great dessert option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful and delicious dessert.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Candied Ripe Plantains are a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is usually served during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and Christmas. The dish is considered a delicacy and is often served as a showstopper dessert in Puerto Rican homes. If you want to impress your guests and add a touch of exoticism to your dessert table, Candied Ripe Plantains can be the perfect choice. The dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it perfect for large gatherings. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a great dessert option for special occasions and can make your menu stand out and impress your guests.

Can be Served Hot or Cold

Candied Ripe Plantains are usually served hot, which makes them a great dessert option during the colder months. The dish is warm, comforting, and flavorful, which makes it perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a good book or a movie. However, Candied Ripe Plantains can also be served cold, which makes them a refreshing dessert option during the warmer months. You can chill the dish in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a versatile dessert that you can enjoy in any season and in any form.

Popular in Latin American Cuisine

Candied Ripe Plantains are not only a favorite in Puerto Rican cuisine but also in many Latin American countries. The dish is known by different names, such as Platanos en Almibar, Platanos Dulces, or Platano Macho en Almibar, depending on the country. The dish has many variations in different countries, with some adding rum, coconut milk, or other spices to the syrup. However, the basic recipe is the same - ripe plantains simmered in a sweet syrup. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a beloved dessert in Latin American cuisine and serve as a reminder of the region's rich culinary history and diversity.

Great with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

Candied Ripe Plantains are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other dessert elements such as ice cream or whipped cream. The sweet and syrupy flavor of the plantains goes well with the creamy and rich texture of ice cream or whipped cream, making it a dessert that will satisfy your taste buds in every sense. You can serve Candied Ripe Plantains with vanilla, cinnamon, or coconut ice cream or whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or shredded coconut on top for some extra crunch and flavor. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a versatile dessert that you can enjoy in many different ways and with many different dessert elements.

Can be Made Vegan

If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Candied Ripe Plantains by making them vegan. The dish requires only a few simple substitutions to make it vegan-friendly. Instead of using regular sugar, you can use coconut sugar or agave nectar. Instead of water, you can use coconut milk or almond milk. And instead of butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan margarine. Overall, Candied Ripe Plantains are a delicious and healthy dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone, including vegans and vegetarians.