Are you craving for a sweet and indulgent snack that's also authentic Puerto Rican cuisine? Look no further than 100 G of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain (Platano En Almibar)! This delectable dish is a perfect combination of ripe plantain slices and a rich syrup made from sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. With just one bite, your taste buds will be transported to the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico. And at 265 Calories per 100 grams, it's a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth!

Aside from its mouth-watering taste, Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain also provides some essential nutrients. Plantains are a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A. They are also naturally gluten-free and low in fat. Meanwhile, the syrup adds a small amount of antioxidants and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. However, it's worth noting that Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is still a high-carbohydrate and high-sugar food, so you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In this article, we'll share with you some interesting facts and practical advice about Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain. From its Health benefits to its Cultural significance, you'll learn everything you need to know to appreciate this unique and delicious dish.

What is Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain, or 'Platano En Almibar' in Spanish, is a traditional dessert in Puerto Rico that's usually served during special occasions like Christmas or Easter. It's made from ripe plantains that are sliced and simmered in a syrup of water, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until they become soft and caramelized. The resulting dish has a sticky and sweet texture with a subtle hint of spices. Some variations also include cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor. Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is often served as a standalone dessert or as a side dish to savory meals like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) or pernil (roast pork). It's also a popular topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cakes. In Puerto Rico, it's considered a staple of the island's cuisine and a symbol of its cultural identity.

How many calories are in 100 G of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain contains approximately 265 Calories. This amount can vary depending on the recipe used and the size of the plantain slices. The majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, specifically sugars, while a smaller portion comes from dietary fiber and protein. It's important to keep in mind that the calorie content of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is relatively high compared to other fruits or vegetables, so it should be consumed in moderation.

What are the ingredients of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

To make Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe plantains
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

You can adjust the amount of sugar and spices depending on your taste preference. Some recipes also recommend adding a pinch of salt or lime juice to balance the sweetness.

How is Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain prepared?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain:

1. Peel and slice the plantains into rounds or ovals, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract in a large skillet or saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the plantain slices to the syrup and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the plantains are tender and the syrup has thickened.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and transfer the plantains and syrup to a Serving dish.
5. Serve warm or cold, garnished with additional cinnamon or fruit if desired. Enjoy!

What are the health benefits of eating Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

While Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is not a superfood, it does offer some nutritional benefits.

• Plantains are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes regular digestion and helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Plantains are rich in potassium, which regulates blood pressure and heart function.
• Plantains contain vitamin C and vitamin A, which boost the immune system and support eye health.
• Sugar and cinnamon have antioxidant properties, which protect against cell damage and inflammation.
• The sweetness of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain can satisfy cravings for sugary foods and reduce mood swings caused by blood sugar spikes.

However, because of its high sugar content, Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain should not be consumed excessively or by individuals with diabetes or other conditions that require a low-sugar diet.

What are the different ways to enjoy Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is a versatile treat that can be served and enjoyed in many ways.

• As a dessert: Serve warm or cold on its own, topped with whipped cream or fruit, or drizzled with chocolate sauce.
• As a side dish: Accompany with savory dishes like roasted meats, stews, or rice and beans.
• As a breakfast item: Pair with eggs, bacon, or toast for a sweet and savory start of the day.
• As a snack: Sprinkle with sea salt, chili powder, or lime juice for a spicy twist, or combine with nuts or granola for a crunchy bite.
• As a topping: Use as a garnish for ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles.

Experiment with different combinations and flavors to find your favorite way of enjoying Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain!

What are the cultural significance and history of Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain has a long and storied History that reflects the island's diverse cultural roots and agricultural heritage. The dish originated from the indigenous Taíno people of Puerto Rico, who cultivated and cooked plantains as a staple food. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought with them sugar cane, cinnamon, and other spices that greatly influenced Puerto Rican cuisine. African slaves who were brought to the island also contributed their own culinary traditions, such as frying or boiling plantains in palm oil or lard. Over time, Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain became a favorite dessert among Puerto Ricans of all backgrounds and social classes, especially during holidays and family gatherings. It's enjoyed not only for its flavor and aroma but also for its cultural symbolism and sense of community. For many Puerto Ricans, preparing and sharing Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain is a way of honoring their heritage and preServing their traditions.

What are the similarities and differences between Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain and other candied plantain dishes?

Candied plantains are a popular dessert or snack in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, and each region has its own variations and names for them. Here are some similar and different types of candied plantain dishes you may encounter:

• Maduros: This is a simple Preparation of ripe plantains that are sliced and fried until caramelized. It's served as a side or snack in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, including Puerto Rico.
• Turrones de platano: This is a specialty holiday dessert in the Dominican Republic that's made from mashed boiled plantains, spices, coconut milk, and sugar. It's baked until firm and cut into squares or triangles.
• Cambur en Tentación: This is a Venezuelan dessert that uses ripe bananas (cambur) instead of plantains. The bananas are cooked in a syrup of cinnamon, cloves, orange juice, and brown sugar until tender and glazed.
• Plátanos en gloria: This is a Mexican dessert that's similar to Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain but with some variations in the syrup. The plantains are simmered in a mixture of piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, and water until thick and glossy.

What are some tips on how to store and serve Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be cautious not to overcook or burn the plantains as they can become mushy. To serve Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain, you can present it in a colorful bowl or plate and sprinkle some powdered sugar or cinnamon on top. You can also add some fresh fruit like sliced mango or pineapple for a tropical touch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain as a filling for empanadas or turnovers!

Where can I buy or order Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain?

If you're lucky enough to live near a Puerto Rican or Latin American grocery store, you may be able to find Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain already made and packaged. Some popular brands include Goya, La Fe, and El Sembrador. You can also try searching online for specialty food retailers that offer Puerto Rican products. If you prefer to make Puerto Rican Style Candied Ripe Plantain from scratch, you can follow the recipe we provided earlier or look for other variations online or in cookbooks. Just remember to have fun and be creative with your cooking! And don't forget to share your delicious creations with your friends and family. Buen provecho!