7 Amazingly Delicious Plantain Recipes You Really Should Try!

Plantains, often referred to as the cousin of the banana, are a versatile and flavorful ingredient in global cuisines. Whether green or ripe, they can be fried, baked, mashed, or grilled to create mouthwatering dishes. Here’s a roundup of seven incredible plantain recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

1. Classic Fried Plantains (Tostones or Maduros)

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe or green plantains
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and slice the plantains into 1-inch rounds.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Fry slices until golden brown, flipping once.
  4. For green plantains, smash them into flat rounds (tostones) and fry a second time. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

2. Plantain Chips

• Ingredients:
  • 2 green plantains
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Thinly slice the plantains using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. Toss with olive oil and lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

3. Sweet Plantain Pancakes

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Mash the plantains until smooth.
  2. Mix in the egg, milk, flour, and cinnamon to form a batter.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook small scoops of batter for 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Serve with syrup or honey.

4. Plantain Fritters (Akara)

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Mash the ripe plantains and mix them with flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil.
  3. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve as a snack or appetizer.

5. Stuffed Plantains

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 1 cup ground beef or chicken
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the plantains lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the center to create a pocket.
  3. Cook the ground meat with onions and season to taste.
  4. Stuff the plantains with the meat mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 15–20 minutes.

6. Mashed Plantains (Mangu)

• Ingredients:
  • 3 green plantains
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and boil the plantains until tender.
  2. Mash the plantains with butter and warm water until smooth.
  3. Season with salt and serve as a side dish, topped with sautéed onions if desired.

7. Grilled Plantains with Honey and Cinnamon

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  2. Slice the plantains lengthwise and brush with honey.
  3. Grill for 3–5 minutes per side until caramelized.
  4. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.

Final Thoughts

Plantains are an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used for sweet and savory dishes alike. Whether you’re a seasoned plantain lover or just discovering their potential, these recipes are sure to please your taste buds.

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