Bannann Peze

Plantains are a staple in pretty much every Haitian meal. The most common method of cooking plantains is frying them which can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. Fried plantains are usually served with other fried meats such as pork, chicken and goat. Here is a basic recipe if you are looking to learn how to cook Haitian food.

Ingredients for Bannann Peze (Fried Plantain):

• 3 Green Plantains
• 1 tablespoon Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 Plantain press or paper foil and a plastic cover
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 Maggie bouillon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 spoon of Parmesan cheese
• 1 scotch bonnet/hot pepper (optional)

1. Heat Oil on medium high heat in a deep fryer or frying pan.
2. Peel plantains and angle cut each one into 5 equal pieces.(A little secret, to peal them easily I suggest to put the plantains in hot water for 5 min and then start pealing)
3. In a bowl add the hot water, vinegar, salt and set aside.
4. Lightly brown the plantains in the oil (Approximately 5 min).
5. Remove the plantains from the oil and flatten each plantain using the tostonera or cover the surface with paper foil and use a plastic cover to press them.
6. Soak the flattened plantains in the hot water and carefully back in the oil for an additional 5 min.
7. Remove plantains from oil and place them on a paper towel to remove the excess oil.
8. Serve hot with Griot.

Bon Appétit!