Jamaican Plantain Tarts

This authentic Jamaican recipe is really easy to make. It uses ripe plantains (which are a relative of the banana) as the filling. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 107 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons shortening, chilled and diced
• 1 tablespoon ice-cold water
• 3 very ripe (black) plantains
• white sugar for decoration
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine flour and salt in a bowl; rub in butter and shortening until incorporated, and mixture takes on a sandy appearance. Combine whole egg and water; stir into flour mixture until a dough forms. Transfer to a work surface; knead dough for a few turns to bring together. Wrap well in plastic wrap; chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

Step 3

While dough chilling, peel plantains; cut into thirds. Heat in a saucepan with a little water; bring to a simmer. Steam until tender, 5 to 10 minutes (depending on how ripe your plantains are). Once soft, discard water; mash plantains with 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and food coloring. Set aside to cool.

Step 4

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into circles using a 4- or 5-inch-round cookie cutter. Spoon a little plantain filling into center of each circle; fold in half, to form half-moon shapes. Place tarts on a baking sheet; brush with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow tarts to cool to room temperature before serving.