9 Delicious Plantain Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak plantains in salt water? ›

But since the unripe plantains don't taste like much on their own, soaking the slices in salt water will help draw out their subtle flavors. Soaking green plantains can also add moisture to the naturally dry starch and help the tostones to crisp up nicely when they're fried.

The keys to successful fried plantains are choosing ripe fruit and using the right pan, oil, and heat. A ripe plantain's skin should be almost black or, in some cases, have a dull yellow color with patches of black. In addition to being sweeter, the ripe fruit peels easily and cooks in no time.

A ripe plantain is best when it's mostly black with a little yellow, and still slightly firm to the touch, like when you squeeze a peach. Although completely black plantains are still good to eat, they are a little too soft, making them difficult to prepare. But they're still delicious.

Soak green plantains before frying them to keep the fruit from oxidizing quickly. As soon as you slice the green plantains, put them in a little salt water to keep the plantains from turning brown; it also helps season them.

In a bowl large enough to hold the plantains, combine the salt with ½ cup water and stir until dissolved. Add plantains and set aside to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

You may be surprised to learn that plantains can be eaten raw and they are actually quite delicious. In fact, I personally enjoy them even more than regular bananas. They have a unique flavor that is reminiscent of marshmallows when they are properly ripened.

Healthiest Plantain Preparation

Plantains can be eaten raw or cooked but are usually enjoyed cooked in some way. Plantains can be baked, fried, boiled, or grilled. Ripe plantains can be peeled and eaten like a banana, but even ripe plantains are usually best enjoyed cooked.

Cooked plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They're a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. This hidden superfood warrants a trip your local grocery.

Since fried plantains are usually a salty snack, they usually go best with other salty foods like fried eggs. One of the advantages of fried eggs is that they are cheap and easy to make.

Which is healthier banana or plantain? ›

Plantains vs bananas: nutrition

The starch in plantains is high in nutrients and – as long as you cook them properly – you can eat more plantains than bananas in a serving. They are used in more savoury dishes, while bananas are cooked in recipes that call for even more sugar, making plantains overall a bit healthier.

In Africa, the countries that consume plantain the most are Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon, and Ghana; their total consumption comprises almost 60% of the world's overall consumption.

A salted-garlic water mixture is prepared to soak the green plantain slices for a few minutes prior to frying. This will provide a garlicky, salty flavor to the fried plantains.

Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.

Mix water, garlic powder and salt in a large bowl. Soak plantain slices in salted-garlic water mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. Fry (365°F) plantain slices until they become fork tender and turn a golden color.

Olayinka explained that while you could salt them after they cook, she prefers to salt them beforehand because the plantains are stickier when they're raw. Thus, the flavor of the salt is much more likely to be infused into the plantains — allowing them to be as tasty as possible.

1. Don't add salt to plantain to fry: - It's a waste of salt - Plantain is sweet without salt - It can raise your blood pressure - It can harm your kidneys 2. Most foods in their natural forms, including plantains, already have some salt in them because sodium is a natural mineral.

The Rice Method: Burying plantains in uncooked rice traps ethylene gas and helps speed up the ripening process. Airtight Container: Storing plantains in an airtight container on the kitchen counter accelerates ripening by trapping ethylene gas.