Dominican-style Sweet Plantain Kouign-amann

Ingredients

In this Dominican adaptation of Kouign-amann, the traditional puff pastry is replaced with a dough that incorporates ripe plantains. The plantains add a distinct tropical sweetness and a unique texture to the pastry. Additionally, the baking process allows the plantains to caramelize, intensifying their flavor and creating a delightful contrast with the buttery layers of the pastry. We alse have the original recipe for Kouign-amann, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and thinly sliced 2 ripe plantains, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional butter for greasing Additional butter for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round baking dish with butter.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar, water, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the sugar mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Arrange the sliced plantains evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Fold the dough over the plantains, creating layers.
9. 9.
   Transfer the folded dough to the greased baking dish and press it down gently.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the plantains are caramelized.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be soft to the touch but not overly mushy. This will ensure a sweet and flavorful result.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the pastry before baking.
• Serve the Dominican-style Sweet Plantain Kouign-amann warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• If you prefer a more savory version, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pastry before baking.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings such as mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Dominican-style Sweet Plantain Kouign-amann as a delightful breakfast pastry or as a dessert. It pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the pastry with powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish with a few thin slices of fresh plantain or a sprig of mint.