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Caramelized plantains (Dulce de platanos maduros)
4.9 from 141 votes

Caramelized plantains (Dulce de platanos maduros)

Caramelized Plantains (Dulce de platanos maduros) are ripe plantains pan-fried in butter then simmered in a spiced panela or piloncillo syrup infused with sweet wine, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and chipotle for a balance of sweetness and gentle heat. The result is a tender, warm dessert with complex flavors.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: South American

Ingredients

For the spiced panela or piloncillo syrup:
  • 8 ounces panela can be replaced with brown sugar, or piloncillo
  • 1 cup sweet wine such as Riesling or Moscato, can also use sparkling grape juice instead of sweet wine
  • 2-3 allspice berries whole
  • 4 cloves
  • 2-3 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce adjust to your preference or replace with 1 tsp chipotle paste, Tabasco brand
For the caramelized plantains:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3-4 plantains peeled and sliced into halves or thick rounds, very ripe

Instructions

For the spiced sweet syrup:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the panela/piloncillo or brown sugar with the sweet wine, all spice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepot.
  2. Cook over low heat until the panela/piloncillo is completely dissolved, add about ½ tablespoon of Tabasco Chipotle sauce, and continue simmering until the syrup is infused with the flavor of the spices, taste and add the additional Tabasco Chipotle sauce based on your spiciness preference level.
  3. Strain the syrup to remove the whole spices (cloves, all-spice, cinnamon), and save the syrup. You can add back the cinnamon sticks if desired, but make sure to completely remove the smaller spices.
For the caramelized plantains:
  1. Heat the butter in large pan or skillet.
  2. Add the plantains and fry them on each side until golden.
  3. Add the panela or piloncillo syrup, cook for about 25-30 minutes on low medium heat.
  4. Serve the caramelized plantains warm with fresh cream or with coconut ice cream.