Are you looking for a sweet and savory twist on your favorite dishes? Look no further than plantains! A staple in many Latin American cuisines, plantains are often overlooked as a mere side dish. But with their versatility and natural sweetness, they can be the star of the show. Whether you like them ripe and soft or green and starchy, plantains can add a delicious depth to your meals.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering plantain recipes that will have you craving more. From sweet treats like pancakes and cookies to savory dishes like tacos and empanadas, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So go ahead, get creative with plantains, and discover a whole new world of flavors!
Caramelized Plantain Tart
Sweet and savory, this Caramelized Plantain Tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of plantains. With a flaky crust and gooey caramelized plantains, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 3 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Arrange plantain slices on top of pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Drizzle melted butter over plantains and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and plantains are caramelized.
7. Allow tart to cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Plantain and Black Bean Tacos
A flavorful fusion of Caribbean and Mexican cuisines, these tacos pack a punch with the sweetness of ripe plantains and the spiciness of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, and sour cream for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss plantain slices with a pinch of salt and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized.
3. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with roasted plantain, black bean mixture, and cilantro. Top with radishes, lime wedges, and sour cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Plantain and Coconut Curry
This creamy curry dish combines sweet plantains with aromatic spices and the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add plantain slices and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they start to brown.
5. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the plantains are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Grilled Plantain Skewers with Lime Glaze
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and tangy twist on traditional kebabs. Grilled plantains pair perfectly with a zesty lime glaze, making for a refreshing and flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut plantains into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until plantains are caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice and honey to create the glaze.
6. Remove skewers from grill and brush with lime glaze.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Plantain and Shrimp Ceviche
A refreshing twist on traditional ceviche, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with crispy plantains and a zesty lime marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, plantain slices, and lime juice.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the seafood to “cook” in the acidity of the lime juice.
3. Just before serving, stir in cilantro and jalapeño pepper.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful pancakes infused with the sweetness of ripe plantains and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed plantains, milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or cooking spray if necessary.
4. Using 1/4 cup measuring cups, scoop batter onto the skillet.
5. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)
Plantain and Chicken Empanadas
These sweet and savory empanadas combine the natural sweetness of plantains with the rich flavor of chicken, all wrapped up in a crispy pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe plantain, peeled and diced
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the chicken, plantain, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture is heated through.
3. Roll out the empanada dough to desired thickness. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Brush with olive oil and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plantain and Avocado Salad
This Plantain and Avocado Salad combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the creamy richness of avocados, all wrapped up in a refreshing and healthy package. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
2. In a large bowl, combine the plantain slices, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt to taste.
4. Toss gently to combine, then serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes. Enjoy!
Plantain and Beef Stew
This Jamaican-inspired stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, sweet plantains, and aromatic spices. Enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish on a cold day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the plantain slices, beef broth, and browned beef mixture to the pot.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until the plantains are tender.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Plantain and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these unique cookies that combine the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add mashed plantains, softened butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Plantain and Mango Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing twist on the classic smoothie bowl, featuring plantain and mango as the stars of the show.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks.
2. In a blender, combine the plantain, mango, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
5. Top with your desired toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Plantain and Mango Smoothie Bowl!
Plantain and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the sweetness of plantains with the earthiness of spinach, all wrapped up in a colorful bell pepper package.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced
– 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add chopped plantains and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
4. Stir in chopped spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the plantain-spinach mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Plantain and Cheese Fritters
Transform ordinary plantains into a delightful treat by wrapping them in a crispy cheese filling. These sweet fritters are perfect as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the grated cheese to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
3. Dip each plantain slice into the beaten egg and then coat with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Plantain and Pork Carnitas
Discover the sweet union of tender pork carnitas and crispy plantains in this flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the lard or oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pork chunks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
6. Add the oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
7. Arrange plantain slices in a single layer on top of the onion mixture.
8. Return the pork to the pot; cover with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
9. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Enjoy your delicious Plantain and Pork Carnitas!
Plantain and Sweet Potato Mash
Elevate your mashed potato game with this unique combination of plantains and sweet potatoes, adding a touch of Caribbean flair to your table.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe plantains, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss plantain and sweet potato pieces with a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. In a large pot, combine roasted plantains and sweet potatoes, butter, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Plantain and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet plantains and earthy lentils, simmered in a flavorful broth. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the chopped plantains, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until slightly thickened.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Plantain and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Sweet and savory, this tropical cake combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the juiciness of pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Arrange plantain slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, melted butter, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter over the plantains, spreading evenly to cover.
5. Top with pineapple chunks, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Plantain and Turkey Meatballs
Combine the flavors of Puerto Rico with this unique recipe featuring plantain and turkey meatballs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 ripe plantain, mashed
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, mashed plantain, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure with these 18 mouthwatering plantain recipes! From sweet treats like Caramelized Plantain Tart and Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup, to savory dishes such as Spicy Plantain and Black Bean Tacos and Grilled Plantain Skewers with Lime Glaze, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover the versatility of plantains in recipes like Plantain and Coconut Curry, Plantain and Shrimp Ceviche, and many more. Treat yourself to a world of flavors that will leave you craving for more!