16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (2024)

FAQs

What is the benefit of plantain? ›

Plantains are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and A. Antioxidants are compounds that help reduce free radical damage and oxidative stress and may lower the risk of many diseases, such as cancer. Vitamins A and C are two of the top nutrients to support your immune system and fight disease.

Plantains can be ripened at room temperature. Plantains will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Plantains will not continue to ripen once refrigerated. Freeze plantains for 2 to 3 weeks wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.

While the name plantain is often given to all Musa cultivars that are cooked before eating, botanically speaking, true plantains belong to one of four cultivar groups: French, French horn, false horn, and horn.

If you're looking for a healthier preparation method, consider baking your plantains instead of frying them. Once peeled, the plantain can be baked whole or in slices. You can also add spices and seasoning, such as salt, cayenne, or cinnamon.

Bananas and plantains have very similar nutrition profiles. Both are good sources of several vitamins, including potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. They're also good sources of fiber. Bananas do have more sugar, though, and plantains have more starch.

Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.

It is not safe to keep perishable foods unrefrigerated overnight. Bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness can grow rapidly in perishable foods if they are kept at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), which is known as the "danger zone".

Vitamin A and C contained in unripe plantains are anti-inflammatory agents that help regulate immune functions. They are a good source of fiber which not only enhances Gastrointestinal (GI) motility but also appears to lower the risk of developing constipation.

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. Serve fried ripe plantains as a side dish or snack.

Both are wonderful. Yes, if you are looking for a low glycemic load, then green would be better, but the fact is that they cannot be interchanged in recipes due to the consistency and starchiness of the food. If you want to do something like plantain chips you have to have green.

How do you know when plantains go bad? ›

If the outer skin is very brown or black and there's a strong, unpleasant odor from the plantain, it's a sign that it is spoiled. Also, take a peek at the fruit itself - if the flesh has turned dark or gray and has a putrid smell, it's time to toss it.

Fried plantains are the classic garnish for Moros y Cristianos, the black beans and rice popular in Veracruz and the coastal lowlands. Plantains can also be pureed and served as a side, as they are at La Tequila, where the puree de platoon macho accompanies tamarind chipotle shrimp.

Like many potatoes, green plantains will often turn brown if left out in the air for too long after being peeled, soaking in water also helps prevent this from occurring as well as reducing the amount of free starch on the outside which can cause over-browning.

Soaking your Tostones in Water

The water soaking step in this recipe adds an extra crunch and crispiness to the plantains that I find totally addicting. Something about this trick helps the tostones to fry up nice and crisp during that second fry.

Because of their high carbohydrate content, you need to monitor your intake of plantain; otherwise, your blood sugars will spike. Comparatively speaking, one cup of plantains is equal to eating 2.5 slices of bread.

They're both very nutritious

Both plantains and bananas are a good source of several vital nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant compounds ( 2 , 3 , 4 ).

Plantains are a starchy fruit that are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium. However, high levels of potassium in the blood can also be a sign of kidney dysfunction or damage. Therefore, individuals with kidney problems may need to limit their intake of high-potassium foods like plantains.