Plantains

Many Americans have yet to try plantains, mostly because we don't instinctively know quite what to do with them. They look like large bananas, but they're hard to peel. And they're really starchy, so yuck! when you try to eat them raw.

Plantains need to be cooked to soften them up a bit and to bring out the delicious sweet flavor. Wait until the skins are starting to turn and they'll peel much more easily: simply slit the skin lengthwise and roll them off. Slice up the peeled fruit, and fry them up in some olive or canola oil. Any number of spices can be added if desired: ginger, cinnamon, chilies, curries, etc.