Recipe: Cook vegan Caribbean plantain boats
Vegan Caribbean plantain boats bring tropical Caribbean flavors to your table, originating from the islands' rich culinary traditions. Using ripe plantains as a base, they're filled with a savory mixture of beans, vegetables, and spices. This dish is not only a visual feast but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for vegans and those eager to explore exciting new tastes. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need two large ripe plantains, one cup black beans, one red bell pepper, one green bell pepper, one medium onion, two cloves garlic, one teaspoon ground cumin, one teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste, olive oil for cooking, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Preparing the plantains
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's heating up, carefully slice each plantain lengthwise to create a pocket but ensure not to cut all the way through. Brush them lightly with olive oil inside and out. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
Making the filling
While your plantains are baking, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and garlic and saute until they're soft and fragrant. Then add both bell peppers along with cooked black beans into the pan. Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about five minutes or until all ingredients are well combined.
Assembling plantain boats
Once your plantains are baked to perfection, and the filling is ready, it's time to assemble these boats. Carefully open each plantain pocket you created earlier. Spoon generous amounts of the savory filling inside each one. If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to sprinkle some chili flakes on top at this stage. This step brings the dish closer to completion.
Final touches
After filling the plantain boats, return them to the oven for another 10 minutes. This ensures that the mixture warms up thoroughly. Once finished, serve them hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The cilantro not only adds a burst of freshness but also provides a striking color contrast. These vegan Caribbean plantain boats are both visually appealing and delicious, making them a perfect dish.
