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Desserts

Plátanos en Gloria (Plantains in Cream and Cinnamon)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 4 ripe (4 plantains) plantains, sliced diagonally
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp) table cream or crema
  • 80 g (6 tbsp) sugar
  • 1 cinnamon (1 stick) stick
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
  • 50 g (1.75 oz, optional traditional topping) grated hard cheese, such as queso seco

Method

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the plantain slices until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels.
  2. In a small saucepan, warm the cream with sugar and the cinnamon stick over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8 minutes.
  3. Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce.
  4. Arrange the fried plantain slices on a serving dish and pour the warm cinnamon cream sauce generously over the top.
  5. Sprinkle with grated hard cheese if using, and serve warm.

Introduction: Plátanos en Gloria transforms simple fried plantains into a decadent dessert, bathed in a sweetened cream sauce spiced with cinnamon — a dish that showcases the Guatemalan love of ripe plantain in both savoury and sweet forms.

Cultural Background: Plátanos en Gloria transforms simple fried plantains into a decadent dessert, bathed in a sweetened cream sauce spiced with cinnamon — a dish that showcases the Guatemalan love of ripe plantain in both savoury and sweet forms.

Tips: Don't let the cream sauce boil hard, or it may split — keep it at a gentle simmer.

Variations: Some households add a splash of rum or a few raisins to the cream sauce for special occasions.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; can be refrigerated up to 1 day though texture softens.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until just warm.

Nutrition: Approx. 310 kcal, 4 g protein, 14 g fat, 44 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Why is cheese added to a sweet dessert?

A: The salty tang of hard cheese against the sweet cream and plantain is a classic Central American flavour contrast.

Q: Can I use coconut cream instead?

A: Yes, for a dairy-free variation, coconut cream makes a delicious substitute.

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