Vegan lovers: 5 plantain recipes you need to try
What's the story
Plantains, the unsung heroes of the tropical culinary world, are secret weapons capable of catapulting any meal from mundane to magical.
Their unique ability to morph from firm and starchy when unripe to sweet and tender when ripe makes them the perfect ingredient to elevate both sweet and savory dishes.
Discover five creative ways to unleash the power of plantains in your vegan culinary creations.
Snack time
Plantain chips: A crunchy delight
Making chips out of plantains is a super easy and tasty way to use this ingredient.
Just slice them thin, toss with a little olive oil and salt, then bake or fry until crispy.
These chips are great for snacking on their own or you can serve them with dips like guacamole or salsa for some added yumminess.
Breakfast boost
Sweet plantain pancakes
Want a deliciously sweet way to start your day? Whip up a batch of plantain pancakes!
Just blend one ripe plantain with flour, almond milk, baking powder, and a dash of cinnamon to create the perfect batter.
Cook on a non-stick pan until they're golden brown.
Stack 'em high and serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for a scrumptious vegan breakfast.
Dinner ideas
Savory plantain boats
Turn unripe plantains into delicious savory boats for a creative dinner!
Simply slice the plantains lengthwise and bake until tender.
Then, remove some of the flesh to create space for a filling of sauteed bell peppers, onions, black beans, corn, and spices.
Bake again until everything is warmed, and voila, a tasty meal is ready.
Curry Corner
Plantain curry: A tropical twist
Plantains also shine in curries, providing a delicious alternative to conventional ingredients.
Saute sliced plantains along with coconut milk, curry spices, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chickpeas for a robust meal that complements rice or flatbreads.
This method highlights the inherent sweetness of the plantains while infusing them with the curry's complex spiciness.
Sweet finale
Grilled plantain dessert
Grilled ripe plantains develop a caramel-like sweetness that's perfect for desserts.
Simply slice them lengthwise, grill until char marks form, then serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
This easy dessert lets the natural sweetness of plantains shine, while adding a touch of indulgence that's still healthy.