
Plátanos Maduros are a beloved side dish of ripe plantains fried until caramelized and tender. The dish typically requires just ripe plantains and a small amount of oil, and it is a staple in Caribbean, Latin American, and West African cuisines. They are often served alongside savory meals like rice and beans, stews, or grilled meats.
This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates, providing natural sugars and fiber, with a moderate amount of fat from the frying oil. A typical serving of about one medium plantain contains roughly 200-250 calories and is a good source of potassium and vitamins A and C.
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 62 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 550 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Manganese | 0.6 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, plátanos maduros are a versatile staple that can be served as a side dish, a snack, or even a dessert. Nutritionally, the ripening process converts the plantain's starch into sugar, making it sweeter and easier to digest compared to its green counterpart.