Adding plantains to your diet is a great way to improve your health! Did you know plantains have high amounts of fiber and vitamins A, C, and B-6? Healthline states that they also have tons of magnesium and potassium. Although many people confuse bananas and plantains, they are actually quite different. Plantains taste better cooked before consumption. They are typically larger and have thicker skin than bananas.
Nevertheless, they taste wonderful in both sweet and savory dishes. Some cuisines that use plantains as a staple in their diet are South and Central American, Caribbean, South Asian, and African cultures because they grow tropically in those areas. However, you can often find them in stores because they are transported to the US and Canada!
This means you can create delicious meals and desserts with them. We suggest the Healthy Loaded Plantain Nachos if you want something hearty and the Paleo Plantain Rice if you want something lighter. Of course, you should look at all of these wonderful options because we’re sure many of these recipes will catch your eye!
1. Spicy Plantain Burrito Bowls
Make your lunch or dinner more exciting by trying these incredible burrito bowls! This unique meal has a few different components: rice, black beans, garlic cilantro slaw, and plantains. Each component has special ingredients and seasonings to make it taste delicious on its own and even better when paired with the remaining ingredients in the burrito bowl! This is a fantastic option for meal prep!
2. 30 Minute Jibarito (Plantain Sandwich)
Who doesn’t love a quick 30-minute meal? This unique recipe comes from Puerto Rican American culture, and the plantains in the recipe function as a substitute for bread. Make a sandwich with crispy fried plantains loaded with ingredients such as steak, deli meat, tomatoes, lettuce, and any other condiments you like. The sandwich will satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling less bloated since the plantains are lighter than bread!
3. Plantains in Coconut Milk
This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for when you crave dessert but want something on the healthier side. All you need is ripe plantains, olive oil, coconut milk, brown sugar, and piquant post-Zanzibar zest. Additionally, you should include some toasted and shaved coconut as a final touch for the dish! Enjoy this healthy, sweet treat as a snack or a full-on dessert after your supper.
4. Jerk Tofu and Fried Plantains with Quinoa and Avocado
The Taste Space shared this vegetarian-friendly recipe that is extremely nourishing and full of incredible flavors! These plantain wraps have jerk tofu with thyme, ginger root, allspice, Anaheim chilis, and bell peppers. You can use any gluten-free wrap or just a regular tortilla, depending on your preferences. Lastly, freshly mashed avocado gives a sense of lightness and refreshes the meal!
5. Puerto Rican Picadillo with Plantain Rice
This Puerto Rican meal has a striking display, making it a perfect recipe to try out when you want to impress your loved ones. For this recipe, the main elements are the picadillo and plantain rice. The picadillo has hints of garlic, ground meat, oregano, cilantro, tomatoes, olives, and raisins. To make homemade plantain rice, you only need plantains, coconut oil, broth, and some sea salt!
6. Paleo Plantain & Sausage Skillet Dinner
Here is another recipe that you can make in just 30 minutes! Not only is it quick, but it has a simple formula with only five ingredients. All you need is spicy Italian sausage, plantains, onions, coconut milk, and coconut oil! However, remember to include any fresh herbs that you wish. The recipe suggests garnishing the dish with fresh basil, which makes it much livelier!
7. Vegan Plantain Lasagna
Next time you have a dinner party or need to bring something to a potluck, this super unique plantain lasagna will come in handy. This recipe is also known as Pastelon. When you slice into this gorgeous lasagna, you will be able to see layers and layers of mushrooms, lentils, tomatoes, peppers, cheese sauce, and plantains. This vegan-friendly dinner will impress plant-based and meat eaters alike!
8. Sweet Plantain Apple Bacon Breakfast Hash
Include some plantains in your breakfast for a sweet and savory blend. Paleo Running Momma posted this recipe, which has nutritious, whole ingredients that your entire family will love. To make the hash, you’ll need to round up some nitrate-free bacon, onions, apples, plantains, and eggs. Moreover, you’ll need some simple seasonings like salt and cinnamon to accentuate the natural flavors in the dish.
9. Plantain Fritters
Looking for a nutritious snack that the kids will love? Make these homemade plantain fritters, which you can dip in all sorts of sauces! You can also use these fritters as an appetizer or a side to a main course. The recipe includes plantains, peppers, onions, garlic, baking powder, and more. Once they are done, they are nice and crispy on the outside!
10. Paleo Plantain Rice
Try making this unique plantain rice if you are tired of regular rice or other alternatives like cauliflower rice. This recipe is simple since it only takes 15 minutes of your time! You only need large green plantains, coconut oil, cilantro, and salt and pepper. Use a food processor to chop the plantains into stringy bits that resemble rice. Then, use it however you wish!
11. Pork and Pineapple Bowls with Plantains and Coconut Cauliflower Rice
We love healthy bowls like this one that will supply your body with nutrients! This recipe is made with all healthy ingredients and is certainly a minimally processed meal. Some of the best components include carnitas, pineapple, plantains, coconut cauliflower rice, and avocado lime mousse. You can also top it with radish, cilantro, and fresh lime!
12. Easy Plantain Banana Bread
Next time you want to make banana bread, consider making this recipe, which also includes plantains! This bread comes out super moist and flavorful and tastes lovely with a cup of coffee. Some of the ingredients you need for this are plantains, bananas, coconut flour, tapioca starch, and coconut sugar. The use of baking spices complements the different fruits!
13. Three Cheese Plantain Crust Pizza
This pizza crust has plantains in it! How amazing is that? Make a showstopping pizza with this recipe by Healthy Nibbles. Aside from the plantain crust, you can top the pizza with sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh basil atop it for natural sweetness. This is a mini pizza and serves 1, but it can be a fun project to get kids in the kitchen and make their own unique pizza!
14. Plantain Tortillas
We’ve seen how you can turn plantains into rice, but how about turning them into tortillas? They are very versatile. With this recipe, you can make a dozen plantain tortillas in just over 30 minutes! This would be a great recipe to make on Sundays to have tortillas on hand for the week. All you need is plantains, egg whites, coconut oil, lime juice, and salt!
15. Healthy Loaded Plantain Nachos
Use plantain chips as the base for healthy and loaded nachos! First, you’ll have to bake the thinly sliced plantains to turn them into chips. Then, you can add lean ground turkey, salsa, cheese, black beans, and other typical nacho toppings. Get creative by including cilantro, Greek yogurt, or even fresh jalapeno on top!
16. Vegan Caribbean Plantain Curry
Everyone needs a solid curry recipe that they can use as their go-to. This recipe might just be for you! It is vegan-friendly, and it has Caribbean flavors. Some of the components include ginger, coconut milk, spinach, bell peppers, onions, sweet potatoes, and plantains. It also has kidney beans, which provide your body with protein, which is especially important for meals that don’t have meat.
17. Mashed Sweet Plantains
If you plan to make Caribbean food for your main course and you need a side dish, try this recipe by That Girl Cooks Healthy! When making these mashed sweet plantains, you can include sauteed onions, plant-based milk, garlic, pink salt, and any herbs you would like to add. There are so many optional mix-ins that can upgrade the taste of the simple mashed plantains!
18. Pumpkin Plantain Muffins (Paleo, Vegan, and Nut Free)
Let’s make some healthy and decadent muffins, shall we? These pumpkin muffins are paleo, vegan, and nut-free, making them suitable for people with a wide variety of special diets. These muffins consist of plantain flour, cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and more. You can either use ripe bananas or plantains as well. Upon biting into these muffins, you will notice how soft and moist they are!
19. Stuffed Baked Plantains
Take your taste buds on the ultimate journey when you make this astounding stuffed plantain recipe. You might have tried stuffed sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or maybe even zucchini, but this recipe is unique in its own way! Some of the ingredients include plantains, ground beef, sofrito, peppers, onions, garlic, and cheese. Top them with green onions to complete the dish!
20. Flourless Plantain Empanadas
These simple yet divine empanadas have plantains, ground beef, and a variety of vegetables. With a combination of kalamata olives, paprika, cumin, onions, and peppers, there is flavor in every bite. This recipe does take some time, but it is definitely worth it! Once you make it, you will end up with eight servings. These empanadas are baked rather than fried!
21. Healthy Plantain Breakfast
Here is another way that you can incorporate plantains into your morning meal. This recipe by My Chef’s Apron is the perfect way to start your day! To try it out, you will need to stock up on some plantains, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, eggs, apples, kiwi, and avocado. You will need the fruit because the dish contains a healthy and fresh fruit salad!
22. Roasted Plantain & Black Bean Vegan Bowl
Indulge in flavors of plantains, brown rice, black beans, and a homemade slaw from purple cabbage and green onions. You can spruce up this vegan nourish bowl by adding garnishes such as fresh guacamole, cilantro, zesty lime wedges, chimichurri, or a simple salsa. This recipe has delicious flavors of West African and Caribbean-style foods!
23. Plantain A La Mexicana with Fire Roasted Tomatoes
This recipe, Ocean Plantain A La Mexicana, has savory and zesty flavors due to the jalapenos, lemon juice, paprika, garlic, and plantains. It also has some creamy avocado, onions, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes! You can enjoy this meal for either lunch or dinner. Believe it or not, this is another vegan-friendly recipe that includes plantains!
24. Cuban Black Beans and Rice with Roasted Red Peppers and Plantains
This hearty Cuban meal will undoubtedly leave you feeling full and nourished. It has a variety of spices, such as cumin, allspice, oregano, and garlic. Furthermore, the base of the meal has black beans, plantains, and vegetables, and you can add a bunch of toppings to complement it! Some excellent choices are radish, avocado, lime, or fresh herbs.
25. Sweet and Spicy Plantain Salad
You definitely need to give this fantastic salad recipe a try! Impress your palate when you take a bite and taste hints of avocado, red onion, red chili, black-eyed beans, lime, and Maple syrup. It also has a small amount of soy sauce, coconut oil, and mango, ensuring you have flavor layers in every bite. Serve this recipe as a side dish to a larger course or enjoy it alone when craving a smaller plate.
26. Soupa De Platano
Plantain soup is an appreciated dish in Caribbean cuisine. This recipe comprises onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and plantains. For added flavor, add some cumin, bay leaf, cilantro, lime juice, and other herbs. The foundation of the soup is chicken broth, but you can always make this a vegetarian dish by using vegetable broth instead!
