Plantains are a nutritious and delicious food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Steaming is one of the most popular methods of cooking plantains, as it brings out their natural sweetness and texture without any additional fats or oils.
To steam plantains, first, make sure they are ripe and ready to eat. Wash them under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the ends of each plantain and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a steamer basket or parchment paper placed in a colander or sieve, making sure there is enough space between each slice so they don’t steam on top of each other and become soggy.
Place the steamer basket or parchment paper with the plantain slices into a pot filled with 1-2 inches of water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket or parchment paper. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium or low and let the plantains steam for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and lightly golden brown on top.
Remove the steamed plantains from the basket or parchment paper using a slotted spoon or spatula. Let them cool slightly before serving.
