Food Recipes Side Dishes Maduros: Sweet Plantains Be the first to rate & review! When plantains turn dark brown, it means they are superripe and ready to be turned into maduros. Cubans slice and fry them to create this sweet, sticky side dish. Lourdes Castro recommends rolling the unpeeled plantains on the counter to soften the flesh, producing a more tender maduro. By Lourdes Castro Lourdes Castro Lourdes Castro is a highly-regarded food educator and the author of four cookbooks focused on Latin cooking. She teaches Nutrition and Food Studies at New York University, where she also serves as Director of The Food Lab. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 21, 2023 Save Rate PRINT Share Close Total Time: 30 mins Yield: 6 Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying 3 very ripe, black sweet plantains Directions In a large skillet, heat the oil. Place the plantains on a work surface and gently roll back and forth. Using a sharp knife, cut off the ends. Carefully peel and slice the plantains diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Add half of the plantains to the hot oil and fry over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until the plantains are browned, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining plantains and serve right away. Originally appeared: May 2009 Rate It Print