Plátanos al Caldero (Caramelized Ripe Plantains)
Ripe plantains cooked slowly in a sweet syrup until caramelized and tender. A traditional Dominican dessert or side dish that showcases the natural sweetness of very ripe plantains in a rich, spiced syrup.
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Ingredients
- 4-5 very ripe plantains (black skin)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into thick diagonal slices.
- In a large pot, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
- Bring the syrup to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add plantain slices and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until plantains are tender and syrup thickens.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and butter in the last 5 minutes.
- Serve warm as a dessert or side dish.
Expert Tips
- Use very ripe plantains with black skin for the sweetest flavor
- Don't stir too much while cooking to avoid breaking the plantains
- The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently