Skip to content
The Versatility of Plantains: Recipes Beyond the Banana
While discussing tropical fruits, the banana frequently takes center stage. However, the versatility and sweetness of the plantain, on the other hand, make it deserving of our attention. Despite resembling bananas in appearance, plantains have a distinctive flavor and texture that make them a favorite in many different cuisines throughout the world. In this blog article, we'll look at the versatility of the plantain and present some delectable dishes that use bananas.
But first, before we dive into the recipes, let's take a moment to understand the key differences between bananas and plantains. While bananas are typically eaten raw and are sweet, plantains are starchy and require cooking to unlock their full potential. Plantains are often used in savory dishes and can be enjoyed at various stages of ripeness, from green to yellow to black. Let's take a look at some of the different ways plantains can be enjoyed.
Plantain as Chips: A Crunchy Delight
One popular way to enjoy plantains is by turning them into crispy chips. Thinly sliced and lightly fried, plantain chips make for a satisfying snack or a flavorful accompaniment to dips and salsas. You can experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or sea salt to create your own unique flavors. We have varieties of Plantain chips readily available on our African Grocery website; Click here to buy
Olu Olu Plantain chips ( sweet & spicy flavour)
Mr John's Spicy Ripe Plantain Chips
Tostones
Tostones, also known as fried plantains, are a beloved dish in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. To make tostones, green plantains are sliced, fried until golden, and then flattened before being fried again. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, starchy interior. Tostones are often served as a side dish or as a base for toppings like guacamole, salsa, or shredded meat.
Mofongo: A Flavorful Caribbean Dish
Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that showcases the versatility of plantains. In this recipe, green plantains are fried and mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings. The mixture is then shaped into a ball or a mound and served alongside meat, seafood, or vegetables. Mofongo is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Plantain Fufu
Green plantains are used to make the classic West-African meal plantain fufu. It can be used in place of traditional West African fufu because it is quite similar to it. If you're looking for a somewhat lighter take on the classic fufu dish, plantain fufu is a great option. Plantain fufu is a type of food that is referred to as solid or swallow food because of its doughy nature. The morsels can be utilized by cutting into it with the fingers which is then used to scoop the soup or stew before swallowing.
There are varieties of Plantain Fufu readily available on our website; Click to buy
Sweet Plantain Empanadas
Plantains can also be used to create delectable sweet treats. Sweet plantain empanadas are a popular dessert in many Latin American countries. Ripe plantains are mashed and combined with sugar and spices to create a sweet filling. The filling is then enclosed in a pastry shell and baked until golden. These empanadas can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Plantain Curry
Plantains can be incorporated into a variety of global cuisines, including Indian cuisine. Plantain curry is a delightful fusion dish that combines the creamy texture of ripe plantains with aromatic spices and coconut milk. The result is a comforting and flavorful curry that pairs well with rice or roti.
While bananas often take the spotlight, plantains offer a world of culinary possibilities beyond the banana. From crispy plantain chips to empanadas and plantain curries, plantains prove their versatility in the kitchen.
So dear readers, the next time you come across plantains at the grocery store, don't hesitate to explore these delicious recipes and discover a whole new world of flavors!
