Plantain Tartlets
Sweet and savory tartlets with a flaky pastry crust filled with mashed ripe plantains, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. A delightful treat perfect for dessert or a snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Ripe plantains(very ripe, almost black)
- 2 tablespoons Butter(plus more for pastry)
- 0.25 cup White sugar(plus more for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 1 drop Red food coloring(optional)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour(for pastry)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(for pastry)
- 0.25 cup Cold butter(cut into 1/2 inch pieces, for pastry)
- 3 tablespoons Shortening(chilled and diced, for pastry)
- 1 tablespoon Ice-cold water(for pastry)
- 1 large Egg white(beaten, for brushing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the plantain filling: Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into thirds. Place in a saucepan with a little water and simmer until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Drain any excess water.
- 2
Mash the cooked plantains until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional red food coloring. Mix well and set aside to cool.
- 3
Prepare the pastry: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4
Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly, then wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 5
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 6
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- 7
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the plantain filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges with a fork.
- 8
Place the tartlets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg white and sprinkle with a little extra sugar.
- 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your plantains are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- ✓For a quicker version, use store-bought pie crust.
- ✓These tartlets can be made ahead of time and reheated gently.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cloves to the plantain filling for extra warmth.
- For a different shape, cut the dough into squares and place the filling in the center, then fold into triangles.