The word "banana" is often
used incorrectly to describe other plantain varieties, when in fact the
generic name is "plantain" and the specific varieties are cooking
plantain, banana plantain, bocadillo plantain (the
little one), etc.
Plantains are a staple food in the tropical regions of
the world, treated in much the same way as potatoes and with a similar
neutral flavor and texture when unripe. Bananas
are typically eaten raw, while plantains require cooking.
Banana or plantain flour is popular in two Puerto
Rican recipes, "pasteles" and "alcapurias".
Both
are pastries stuffed with meat, one is fried, the other is boiled.
These pastries are made with plantain flour freshly grated plantains.
If you're not into tropical dishes, try the recipe
below:
Plantain Pancakes
2 cups plantain flour
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp sea salt
3 tablespoons cane
juice crystals
2 eggs
3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup milk
Mix ingredients thoroughly and spoon onto hot griddle.
Fruit can be added if desired.
