Understanding the potential for culinary creativity, it’s not uncommon for people to overlook plantain as a versatile ingredient in their kitchen repertoire. However, whether you’ve been cooking with plantains for years or have recently discovered its unique flavor profile through a restaurant experience, we’re here to help you unlock new recipes and possibilities.
Unlocking the full potential of this ‘cooking banana’ requires an understanding that it can be both sweet and savory in nature, much like a combination of a standard banana and a sweet potato. This dichotomy makes plantain an excellent addition to various dishes, from comforting meals to lighter snacks. Undoubtedly, plantains are capable of elevating any recipe with their distinct flavor.
To aid you in exploring this culinary frontier, we’ve curated a selection of the best plantain recipes for you to try. These easy-to-make and mouth-watering options cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for every occasion.
Plantain Fufu
Generally speaking, our top picks for plant-based alternatives are off to a great start with plantain fufu taking the first spot. Not as widely recognized as some other dishes, plantain fufu is certainly a hidden gem that’s well worth trying out. This tasty dish consists of blended green plantains that have been pre-cooked to perfection.
One of its best qualities is its versatility – it pairs perfectly with soups and curries, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack between meals.
Plantain Bread
Looking for a twist on traditional banana bread? Look no further than this scrumptious recipe for plantain bread! Although it’s similar to its banana counterpart, plantain bread boasts a slightly less sweet flavor profile that makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more subtle hint of banana. Yet, the inclusion of vanilla and sugar ensures that plantain bread remains a delicious and warming treat, perfect for snacking on or paired with chocolate and caramel.
Plantain Tacos
Delving deeper into the world of versatile ingredients, it’s no surprise that plantain has taken center stage as a cooking banana. Its adaptability knows no bounds, and this is exemplified by its use in tacos, as showcased in our spicy black bean taco recipe.
To unlock the full flavor potential of this dish, ripe plantains are essential, and when paired with fiery cayenne seasoning, the result is nothing short of remarkable – a non-meatless taco option that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Tropical Avocado And Plantain Salad
Zeroing in on the flavors of the Caribbean, this avocado and plantain salad is an authentic dish that will transport your taste buds to the islands. To ensure the recipe turns out as intended, use ripe bananas for the best results, so allow sufficient time for your plantains to ripen if you’re planning a gathering. This innovative salad makes a fantastic alternative to traditional potato salad, offering a lighter and refreshing twist without compromising on flavor.
Empanadas De Platano Maduro
Boosting the classic empanada recipe with ripe plantain and cheese, this twist adds a delicious and unique flavor combination that elevates the traditional pastry. The simplicity of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for those who lead busy lives or have limited time to spare in the kitchen. Moreover, the addition of sprinkles of cheese takes the dish to the next level, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Sweet Plantain Gnocchi
Firstly, let’s revisit the unique characteristics of plantain, which shares a striking similarity in texture to that of sweet potato. This distinct characteristic not only allows it to be a fantastic addition to sweet recipes but also makes it an excellent pairing option for a variety of savory dishes. In fact, this versatility is well showcased in our recipe for sweet plantain gnocchi and garlic brown butter.
Simple Plantain Tortillas
Vibrant and delicious, tortillas have become a staple in many households around the world. Whether you’re seeking a new twist on traditional mealtime or looking to create healthier eating habits for your family, these plantain tortillas are an excellent option. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, they offer a tasty alternative to regular tortillas, perfect for enjoying with loved ones on any ordinary weekday evening.
Mashed Plantains
When looking for a delicious and unique alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe for mashed plantains is an excellent choice. Unlike regular potato mash, the texture of these plantain mashes is velvety and smooth, yet they lack the same rich creamy flavor that comes from using potatoes. Fortunately, you have the option to add a few dollops of butter to the mixture if you prefer a creamier texture.
Sweet Plantain Lasagna
Creating a twist on traditional lasagna recipes, one alternative ingredient that is often overlooked is the humble plantain. While zucchini is sometimes used as a substitute for ground beef in lasagna, plantains offer a unique and exciting option to add depth and richness to this classic dish. By incorporating plantains into the recipe, you can achieve a heartier and more flavorful texture that will keep your taste buds engaged.
For an added layer of flavor, consider drizzling BBQ sauce over the plantains to give them a tangy twist.
Caramelized Coconut And Sugared Plantains
Whether you’re a fan of indulging in sweet treats or cooking for someone who does, this caramelized coconut and sugared plantains recipe is the perfect solution. This delectable dessert is ideal for those seeking to satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising on health, and can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of luxury.
Fried Plantain
Switching up from baking to frying is what sets this recipe apart from the previous one we discussed. When you opt for frying over baking, the texture of the plantain undergoes a significant change. While baked plantains tend to be thick and chewy in consistency, their fried counterparts are typically crisp on the outside and slightly more tender on the inside.
Plantain Nachos!
Taking a closer look at some healthier alternatives to traditional tortilla chips, it’s worth considering using green plantain as an option. This is because green plantain can be baked to achieve a similar texture to chips, making it a viable substitute for those who don’t have tortilla chips on hand. In fact, one of the best things about opting for green plantain is that they’re significantly healthier than traditional tortilla chips!
While some people may think that this means sacrificing flavor or texture, nothing could be further from the truth – when done correctly, baked green plantain can be a delicious and satisfying snack.
Plantain Mofongo
Most notably a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, mofongo is a savory dish that combines the natural sweetness of green plantains with the rich flavor of pork rinds and a generous amount of garlic. Often enjoyed on its own, mofongo can be elevated to new heights by incorporating plantain dumplings or even a hearty soup for added depth and complexity.
Chocolate Plantain Cookies
Zeroing in on the sweet treats, it’s clear that cookies hold a special place in many hearts. While traditional cookies are undoubtedly delicious, they often fall short of being considered a healthy option. These plantain cookies stand out from the crowd by being free from dairy, eggs, grains, and gluten – making them a more nutritious choice. Although they don’t replicate the exact taste of traditional cookies, their unique texture is surprisingly fudge-like.
Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free indulgence or simply seeking to mix things up in the kitchen, these plantain cookies are definitely worth trying. Go To Recipe
Plantain Brownies
Keen to indulge in a guilt-free sweet treat? Why not give our healthier take on traditional brownies a try? This vegan-friendly recipe uses green plantain as its base, adding a delicious twist to the classic dessert. Despite being a healthier option, these brownies still pack a rich, chocolatey punch that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Plantain Muffins
Looking for a sweet treat that’s also healthy? These plantain muffins are an ideal solution for your cravings. Made with ripe plantains, they offer a delicious and moist texture without being overly sweet. The best part is that you can customize their flavor to suit your taste by adding your preferred toppings, whether it’s chocolate drizzle, crunchy pecan nuts, or a refreshing lemon glaze.
Salty Tostones
Justly revered for their golden brown appearance and crispy texture, salty tostones stand out among other foods for their exceptional flavor. While they can be paired with a range of sauces, many find that the tanginess of BBQ sauce complements them particularly well. As an attractive alternative to onion rings, these versatile treats can easily be incorporated into various dishes as a tasty accompaniment.
Caribbean Plantain Curry
Many people may be surprised to learn that the Caribbean is home to a diverse range of curry dishes, which are often overlooked in favor of more well-known Asian varieties. However, this region has its own unique take on the classic dish, and this plantain curry recipe showcases some of the local flavors and ingredients.
Plantain Stew
Versatile and full of flavor, plantain stew is an excellent option for the colder months or any time you need a dish that provides comfort and warmth. This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare and can be customized with a range of spices and additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Sweet Plantain Hash And Eggs
Jumping into the world of breakfast foods can be exciting, especially when discovering new ingredients to incorporate. This sweet plantain hash and eggs recipe is sure to delight fans of morning meals. A healthier twist on traditional breakfast options, this dish swaps out regular potatoes for plantain, which boasts a similar taste profile but with numerous health benefits, making it an excellent alternative.
Plantain And Bean Burgers
Ditch the traditional beef patty and opt for something more nutritious with these scrumptious plantain and bean burgers, an ideal solution if you’re craving burgers but want to stick to a healthier diet. Packed with rich flavor, this innovative burger recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the earthy goodness of black beans, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a plant-based alternative to their regular burger.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dinner after a long day at work or looking for a tasty meal to share with friends, these burgers are sure to hit the spot!
Wrapping Up
Not only have we shared our passion for cooking bananas with you, but also provided a wealth of information on how to prepare authentic fried plantain dishes that are sure to transport your taste buds to the islands! We hope that through this post, you can envision just how versatile and easy-to-prepare these dishes really are. Before you move on, we’d like to encourage you to bookmark our page.
That way, when you need some inspiration for new fried plantain recipes to try, you’ll know exactly where to find us. We appreciate the time you’ve taken to read through this post and hope to see you again soon!
Directions
Browsing through our carefully curated collection of recipes, choose one that catches your eye. Click on the link to the specific recipe page and follow it to the recommended website for detailed instructions. Collect all the necessary ingredients as specified in the recipe. Once you’re ready, start cooking! As you indulge in the delicious dish, don’t forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review.
