My mom brought over three plantains a few days ago – you know, those fruits that look like green bananas?  We’ve never had them before (which is why she brought them – I asked her to bring us a new fruit for Rosh Hashana, and she was hoping this would serve my purpose). The kids peeled one to taste it, and right away made faces – it’s not meant to be eaten raw and it’s not very tasty like that.  My husband has some coworkers from Central America, and he said they eat them like potatoes, cooked into stews.

Tonight my ds15 was hungry and I told him to look in the fridge for something, and he pulled them out.  I suggested he slice them up and fry them.  He used coconut oil, but then I mentioned butter, so he prepared some with each.  They were so yummy!  It took about one minute for them to get finished once he passed the slices out to everyone, but we all really enjoyed them.  They’re kind of starchy, but the cooking breaks the starch down and brings out the sweetness.

It’s nice to be familiar with yet another food, and if I ever see them on sale, I’ll know what to do with them! 

Avivah