Jamaican Plantain Tarts

Method5 steps · about 3 hr 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare the pastry by combining the flour (2 cups) and salt (1 teaspoon) in a bowl. Rub in the butter (¼ cup) and shortening (3 tablespoons) until incorporated, and the mixture takes on a sandy appearance. Combine the egg (1) 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.

   Uses 2 cups all-purpose flour · 1 teaspoon salt · ¼ cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces · 3 tablespoons shortening, chilled and diced · 1 tablespoon ice-cold water · 1 egg

2. 2

   Step 2: 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 (¼ cup), vanilla (1 teaspoon), nutmeg (1 teaspoon), and red food coloring (2 drops). Set aside to cool.

   Steam Plantains · 10 minUses 3 very ripe (black) plantains · ¼ cup white sugar · 1 teaspoon vanilla extract · 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg · 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4. 4

   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 (1), and sprinkle with sugar.

   Uses 1 egg white, beaten · white sugar for decoration

5. 5

   Step 5: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow tarts to cool to room temperature before serving.

   Bake Plantain Tarts · 25 min