Plantains are also known as “cooking bananas” because they’re used in many cuisines around the world to create delicious recipes. Technically, you can eat plantains raw, but they’re usually fried, processed into dough or flour, or boiled. Plantains are popular in Central America, the Caribbean Islands, South America, and Central and West Africa.
You won’t want to just take off the peel and start eating, instead you’ll need some plantain recipes to get the most out of this delicious ingredient.
Cooking plantains is pretty easy to do too so you shouldn’t have any problem with these plantain recipes even if it’s your first time cooking with the ingredient.
Plantains, a close relative of the common banana, are a versatile and delicious ingredient in a myriad of recipes. Found in many tropical regions, these starchy fruits are rich in nutrients and offer a unique taste that can accommodate both sweet and savory dishes with equal ease. As a staple in many cuisines, plantains have garnered attention from gourmets and home cooks alike for their ability to transform ordinary meals into culinary adventures.
One of the key factors that sets plantains apart from bananas is their low sugar content, making them more suited to adventurous cooking. From crispy plantain chips to creamy soups, there is an abundance of recipes that highlight the remarkable attributes of this diverse fruit. In fact, plantains can be enjoyed in various stages of ripeness, creating opportunities for distinct flavors and textures in each dish.
Exploring the world of plantain recipes is an invitation to experiment with new tastes, techniques, and innovative combinations that will undoubtedly spice up any dining experience. Whether you are new to working with plantains or a seasoned fan, you will not be disappointed by the endless possibilities that this humble fruit can offer when it comes to creating dishes that are both appetizing and nourishing.
You’ll find baked plantain recipes, healthy plantain recipes, green plantain recipes, Jamaican plantain recipes, and ripe plantain recipes in the list below.
Every recipe has its own unique taste so you don’t have to worry about them all coming out the exact same and you’ll even learn what to make with plantains.
If you’ve never had plantains before then sit back and note your favorites so you can get started cooking this delicious treat in your kitchen.
Tostones are well known in the Caribbean and it’s traditionally made with fried green plantain but these crispy salted tostones take this dish to the next level.
These delicious pieces of perfection are crunchy on the outside and have the texture of chips so you know what you’re getting into.
Did you make a little too much plantain chips and don’t know quite what to do with them?
Plantain nachos are the answer. These delectable treats are just like the regular nachos you’re used to expecting except they have even more sweetness.
The mix of flavors really makes these nachos stand out and you’ll wonder why you’ve never had this before.
Make a huge batch for the entire family so you don’t have to worry about what’s for dinner, you’ll have everything ready to go.
If you’ve never had plantain and avocado together in the same dish then you’re in for a treat.
The delicious sweet plantains and avocado mix the sweetness of the fruit with a strong bite of garlic and a dash of onion for a unique taste that you’re going to love.
You can enjoy this dish as a side or use it as an appetizer if you’re having guests over, but either way, it’s going to be one of those that you’ll add to your regular rotation of sides.
Looking for a vegetarian way for you to enjoy plantains? Well, this pan-fried plantain pattie is perfect for you.
This is one of those plantain dishes that is quick and easy to make but it’s also one of those recipes that you could easily double and freeze some for later if you wanted to.
Once the patty is fried in a skillet, it’s pretty much just a matter of heating it back up later and having it as a side or an appetizer to any meal.
You can even toast some bread, top it with the patty, and enjoy it as your main course if you’re looking for something quick but filling.
Empanadas have been a classic Mexican dish forever and this twist with plantain really adds a new level of flavor.
You can keep these plain or you can add some cheese to the inside of the empanada before folding it up and frying it.
Whichever you decide you can’t really go wrong. It’s one of those dishes that could easily become a family favorite and everyone will be asking when the next time you’ll make it.
Instead of making your tortillas with corn or flour-like traditional methods, try out this plantain tortillas recipe.
These are perfect for tacos, fajitas, or burritos and they’re absolutely delicious no matter what you put in them.
You could even make a pretty big batch of tortillas so that you can have them waiting in the fridge for the next time you have a recipe that calls for them.
The best part about making these is you can really control what size you want. You can make small plantain taquitos or some big old plantain burritos.
If you’ve ever had a vegetarian lasagna then you have an idea of what this pastelon recipe is all about.
It’s basically the same thing just made with plantains instead of lasagna noodles which gives it a unique flavor that you’re going to want to eat over and over again.
Served up hot with some bread on the side so you can really get every ounce of deliciousness out of your meal.
This traditional dish is a classic in other parts of the world but you can have your own version right at home.
Forget everything you know about traditional mashed potatoes and try out this mashed plantains recipe instead.
You can eat this dish as a side or use it as the main component with some pulled pork, beef, chicken, fish, or anything else you can think of.
The best part about this is that it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry which means no long grocery lines to wait in.
You’ll find these to be a little chunkier and less creamy than their mashed potato counterpart.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
