Oven Baked Maduros (Sweet Plantains)

As a “super food for your gut”, plantains are a staple food in my diet. This resistant starch is packed with nutrients and loaded with health benefits. As a resistant starch, plantains don’t get digested in the small intestine. Instead, they ferment in the large intestine and feed beneficial gut bacteria. This improves gut health, encourages high levels of insulin sensitivity, and helps keep the colon healthy (thank you too, fiber!). Plantains are also great sources of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin c, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Of course, to keep these amazing benefits of plantains, healthy preparation is key. This oven baked recipe is a great alternative to traditional fried maduros (sweet plantains).

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• salt to taste (I use Redmond’s Real Salt)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Peel plantains, cut them in thirds, then cut the thirds into halves.
3. Mix plantains, avocado oil, and salt together in a bowl.
4. Place plantains on an oiled baking sheet.
5. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 20 minutes.
6. Remove cover and raise oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until desired crispiness.

P.s. There is also another plantain recipe on my Pinterest page for a healthy version of mashed plantains.

May you be well – Dominique