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. I like to chill them in the refrigerator until they are cold and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 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
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 2 drops red food coloring (Optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• ¼ cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons shortening, chilled and diced
• 1 tablespoon ice-cold water
• 3 very ripe (black) plantains
• white sugar for decoration

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Prepare the pastry by combining the flour and salt in a bowl. Rub in the butter and shortening until incorporated, and the mixture takes on a sandy appearance. Combine the egg and water, and stir into the flour mixture until a dough forms, then knead for a few turns to bring the dough together. Wrap well, and chill for 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3

While dough is chilling, peel plantains and cut into thirds. Place into a small saucepan with a little water. Bring to a simmer and steam until tender, 5 to 10 minutes depending on how ripe your plantains are. Once soft, pour out the water, and mash plantains with sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and red 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 of the plantain filling into the center of each circle, then fold in half, to form a half-moon shape. Place the tarts on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg white, and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 5

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