Grilled Florida Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar
Introduction
Grilled Florida plantains are a sweet, caramelized delight, bringing out their natural sugars with the perfect sear on the Arteflame grill. The flat cooktop allows them to achieve an even golden-brown crust while locking in moisture, giving you soft, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The addition of cinnamon sugar enhances their deep, rich flavor for an irresistible treat that works as a side dish or dessert. Follow this simple method to grill perfect plantains every time!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Florida plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach cooking temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the plantains
- Peel the plantains and slice them in half lengthwise.
- Brush each slice with melted butter.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Step 3: Grill the plantains
- Place the plantains cut side down on the Arteflame flat top cooktop near the hotter center.
- Let them grill for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a rich caramelized crust.
- Flip and move them slightly outward to a cooler zone.
- Cook for another 4-5 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Step 4: Finish with cinnamon sugar
- Remove the plantains from the grill and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over them.
- Let them rest for a minute to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Serve the grilled plantains hot as a delicious side dish or dessert.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with honey for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Use ripe plantains with black spots for the best sweetness.
- Grill them closer to the center for a good caramelization, then move outward to finish cooking.
- Brushing with butter ensures a perfectly golden crust.
Variations
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Caramelized Honey Plantains: Drizzle with honey instead of sprinkling brown sugar.
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Spicy Cinnamon Plantains: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar mix for a mild kick.
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Coconut Plantains: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the grilled plantains for extra tropical flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzled Plantains: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the grilled plantains for a rich dessert option.
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Rum-Infused Plantains: Add a dash of dark rum to the butter before brushing it on for a deep caramelized flavor.
Conclusion
Grilling Florida plantains on the Arteflame grill brings out their natural sweetness with a perfect caramelized crust. The combination of cinnamon sugar and buttery goodness makes them a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations to discover your favorite flavor twist!
Best Pairings
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Vanilla or coconut ice cream
- Honey-drizzled Greek yogurt
- Grilled pork or chicken for a sweet-savory contrast
- Fresh tropical fruits like mangoes or passionfruit