Brazilian recipe
Crispy Plantain Toasted Flour Side (farofa de banana-da-terra)
Bring a touch of Brazil to your table with this golden, crunchy, and slightly sweet plantain side dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients
2 green plantains
2 cups coarse yellow cornmeal
75 g unsalted butter, cubed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups coarse yellow cornmeal
75 g unsalted butter, cubed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find green plantains in the tropical produce section of most major Canadian grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro, or Save-On-Foods. Coarse yellow cornmeal is typically located in the baking aisle or the ethnic foods section—look for brands that specify a coarse or flaked grind rather than fine polenta. Butter, oil, and basic seasonings are readily available at your local supermarket.
Preparation method
- Trim the tips off the plantains and peel them completely
- Slice each plantain in half lengthwise
- Slice each half lengthwise again into quarters
- If the strips feel too thick, slice them into thirds crosswise
- Dice the plantain pieces into approximately 1 cm cubes
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet over medium heat
- Swirl in the vegetable oil
- Add the diced plantains to the pan and sprinkle with a pinch of salt
- Sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cubes are lightly caramelized and golden; keep in mind that slightly riper plantains will brown more quickly
- Turn the heat down to low
- Toss in the butter cubes, stirring until they have melted into the plantains
- Season with 1 tsp of salt and a good crack of black pepper
- Gradually stir in the cornmeal, folding it in continuously with a spatula to ensure every bit is well-coated
- Toast for another 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes crisp and turns a deep golden brown
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately while nice and crispy
Observations
Farofa is a staple of Brazilian comfort food, cherished for its incredible balance of textures and earthy, savory flavors. This version features green plantains, which, when caramelized, offer a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the toasted, golden texture of cornmeal. It is a quick, no-fuss side dish designed to add a special, authentic flair to your everyday meals.
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