3 Delicious Plantain Recipes You Must Try

Plantains, known scientifically as Musa paradisiaca, are a staple ingredient in many tropical cuisines, offering a unique blend of nutrition and flavor. While they might look like bananas, plantains are less sweet, denser, and are usually cooked before eating. Their versatility in the kitchen is unmatched, making them perfect for a variety of dishes from savory to sweet. Here are three plantain recipes that are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious:

1. Plantain Tostones with Garlic Sauce

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Serving Size: 4-6

To make Tostones, you'll need:

• 2 green plantains
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut off the ends of the plantains. Score the skin lengthwise to remove it, then cut the plantains into 1-inch thick slices.
2. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the plantain slices until they start to turn golden, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
3. Using a tostone press or the bottom of a sturdy glass, flatten each fried plantain slice until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Refry the flattened plantains until they are crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt while they're still hot.

Garlic Dipping Sauce:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt to taste

Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a blender or mix by hand until smooth. Serve alongside your crispy Tostones.

🍳 Note: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some sea salt or garlic powder on the tostones right after they're fried the second time.

2. Mofongo

Preparation Time: 35 minutes

Serving Size: 4

Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish known for its rich, savory flavors. Here's what you'll need:

• 4 green plantains
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup pork rinds (chicharrones)
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the plantains, cut into slices, and deep fry until golden brown, similar to the Tostones process. Set aside.
2. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the fat in the pan.
3. Add garlic to the bacon fat, cooking it lightly to infuse the oil with its flavor.
4. Using a mortar and pestle or food processor, mash the fried plantains with the garlic, some of the bacon fat, and the pork rinds until you get a consistent, mashed potato-like texture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Shape the Mofongo into individual balls or mound it into bowls, topping with the crispy bacon pieces.

🔍 Note: Mofongo can be customized with different toppings like seafood, beef, or chicken. Traditional accompaniments include soups or broths to complement the dish's texture.

3. Sweet Plantain Patties (Bánh Chuối Chiên)

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4

These sweet patties are a delightful treat, especially popular in Vietnamese cuisine:

• 3 ripe (yellow-black) plantains
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying
• Icing sugar or cinnamon for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash the ripe plantains until they're smooth. You can leave some small chunks for texture if preferred.
2. Mix in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mashed plantains to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. When hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. Fry until the patties are golden brown on both sides.
4. Remove from the oil, let them drain on paper towels, and dust with icing sugar or cinnamon if desired.

These sweet plantain patties are a hit at any dessert table or can serve as a delightful snack during tea time.

In wrapping up, these plantain recipes showcase just how versatile and delicious plantains can be. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory like Mofongo or a sweet indulgence with Bánh Chuối Chiên, plantains can cater to all tastes. They are not only rich in flavor but also provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Next time you’re at the market, don’t pass by the plantains; take a few home and explore the culinary delights they offer.

How do I know if a plantain is ripe for each recipe?

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For Tostones and Mofongo, you need green plantains, which are hard and have a high starch content. For the sweet patties, use yellow-black plantains that are soft to the touch and smell sweet, indicating they’re ripe and sweet.

Can I make these recipes healthier?

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Yes, you can bake or air-fry the plantains instead of deep-frying for Tostones and patties. For Mofongo, you could use a small amount of healthy fats like olive oil, and incorporate more vegetables for additional nutrition.

Are plantains good for people with dietary restrictions?

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Plantains are naturally gluten-free and can be part of a grain-free diet. However, they are not low in carbohydrates, so they should be consumed in moderation by those following a low-carb or keto diet.