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

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the plantains

1. Peel the plantains and slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Brush each slice with melted butter.
3. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Step 3: Grill the plantains

1. Place the plantains cut side down on the Arteflame flat top cooktop near the hotter center.
2. Let them grill for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a rich caramelized crust.
3. Flip and move them slightly outward to a cooler zone.
4. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until tender and golden brown.

Step 4: Finish with cinnamon sugar

1. Remove the plantains from the grill and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over them.
2. Let them rest for a minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Serve the grilled plantains hot as a delicious side dish or dessert.
2. 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

1. Caramelized Honey Plantains: Drizzle with honey instead of sprinkling brown sugar.
2. Spicy Cinnamon Plantains: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar mix for a mild kick.
3. Coconut Plantains: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the grilled plantains for extra tropical flavor.
4. Chocolate Drizzled Plantains: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the grilled plantains for a rich dessert option.
5. Rum-Infused Plantains: Add a dash of dark rum to the butter before brushing it on for a deep caramelized flavor.

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

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!