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

    All hail the mighty plátano.

    by Greta AlvarezBuzzFeed Staff, Español

    This post comes from our BuzzFeed Español team--the totally delicious recipes below are in Spanish.

    1. Plantain lasagna, pure Caribbean tastiness.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (2)

    Jeannette Quñones-Cantore / Via sazonboricua.com

    Also called pastelón in Puerto Rico, this recipe will make you smile with pure happiness. Making it is very similar to conventional lasagna, but with flattened plantains instead of pasta.

    Here's how to make one of the many versions of this delight.

    2. This plantain hamburger will make you never want to eat bread again.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (3)

    quericavida.com

    Life is too short to live without switching hamburguer buns for plantains. If you haven't yet, run to the kitchen because this promises almost eternal happiness. Follow the very simple recipe here.

    3. A one-bite plantain appetizer, ideal to impress your guests.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (4)

    mycolombiancocina.com

    This snack will leave you asking for more. You'll only need white rice, shrimp, bananas and GUACAMOLE. Don't wait; make this recipe following the instructions here.

    4. "Canoes" stuffed with ground beef, cheese and other delicious things.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (5)

    http://thenoshery.com/canoas-de-platanos-maduros-sweet-plantain-canoes/

    Traditionally in this recipe the plantains are deep-fried, cut in half, stuffed with ground beef and put in the oven until the cheese is melted. However, if you want to reduce the calories, you can just bake them. For either method, here is the classic recipe.

    5. An irresistible plantain ceviche.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (7)

    iconosdevenezuela.com

    However you serve it, ceviche is a versatile dish that's very easy to make. If you've never heard of banana ceviche, it's not too late to be happy: Here's the recipe.

    6. Ripe plantain fritters, from Colombia to your kitchen.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (8)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (9)

    http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/aborrajados-de-platano-maduro

    This recipe is typical of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and once you try it you'll want to make it even more often than Colombians do. Follow these steps and get ready to eat something that will change your existence.

    7. Delicious plantain baskets with different fillings.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (10)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (11)

    http://www.estampas.com/cocina-y-sabor/recetas/080512/cestitas-de-platano-verde-con-diferentes-rellenos

    Fallen from heaven, directly to your plate. You can fill these baskets with your favorite fillings: guacamole, cheese, grains, or a delicious Venezuelan guasacaca (avocado salsa) like in this recipe.

    8. Give your life some meaning with these plantain empanadas.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (12)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (13)

    http://www.recetasjudias.com/empanadas-de-platano-maduro-rellenas-de-queso/

    It's very normal that you desperately want to eat these. To make your dreams come true, here is a recipe that takes less than an hour to make.

    9. Plantain cake with guava paste and cheese.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (14)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (15)

    http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/frambuesa-y-caramelo-6212643?post=1892529469&blog=6212643&frame_type=a&viewer=true

    Love at first sight, and eternal love at first bite. Try this sweet, tender dish here. If you don't like guava, use Nutella; no one will complain.

    10. Learn to make a classic Zulian patacón (plantain sandwich).

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

    cocinazuliana.blogspot.com

    The cuisine of Zulia, in Venezuela, is full of marvels, and their patacones are unequaled. You can fill the crispy plantain pieces with beef, chicken or even shredded turkey — the important thing is that you're happy. Get a detailed recipe here.

    11. The open-face, Colombian version of fried plantains is just as tasty...and involves guacamole.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (17)

    mycolombianrecipes.com

    First make the patacones with this recipe, and then get instructions for the toppings here.

    12. Try this unique plantain puree, called mangú.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (18)

    misrecetascomidahechaencasa.blogspot.com

    This authentic Dominican recipe has to be topped fresh, finely chopped onions. Its preparation is very similar to mashed potatoes, only that instead of butter you use olive oil. Get detailed instructions here.

    13. Or how about mashed eggplant and plantain?

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (19)

    mycolombianrecipes.com

    The vegetables are roasted, then mashed and mixed together with garlic, onion, tomato, salt and cheese. After that, you sauté it all for a bit and there you have it: your new BFF for life. Step by step here.

    14. Ripe plantain and cheese cake.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (20)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (21)

    http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/torta-de-maduro-ripe-plantain-and-cheese-cake

    This cake made with ripe plantains (maduros) is amazingly easy and delicious.You just take five bananas, boil them, mash them and then mix with cinnamon, brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, mozzarella cheese and a little bit of milk. Then you bake it for 50 minutes — that's it, nothing more. Get the recipe here.

    15. Shredded fried plantains, the ideal substitute for French fries.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (22)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (23)

    http://miesquinaboricuaymas.blogspot.com/2015/04/aranitas-de-platano.html

    What happens when you grate a plantain and fry it? Arañitas — which is what Puerto Ricans call this dish, seasoned with garlic and pepper. Get the recipe here.

    16. Plantain rolls with ham and cheese.

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (24)

    16 Delicious Plantain Recipes That Will Make Your Life Better (25)

    http://www.cocinadominicana.com/2920/piononos-de-platano-maduro.html

    Simple, delicious, and very cute, this snack's official name is piononos. To make, you slice the plantain thinly, roll it with a thin slice of ham and another one of cheese. Then you just put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Get the incredibly tasty recipe here.

    Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook <3!

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

    FAQs

    What does green plantain do for the body? ›

    In particular, plantains are decent sources of magnesium, potassium (more than bananas), vitamin A, and vitamin K, and supply some vitamin C and B vitamins, such as thiamin and riboflavin. Plantains also contain flavonoids and phenols—antioxidants that help control inflammation.

    What is the best plantain to get? ›

    You've probably seen plantains that are almost black at the market or grocery store. These are the ripest, so they're the sweetest. If you prefer them less sweet, look for a plantain that's mostly yellow with some black spots.

    How long do plantains last in the fridge? ›

    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.

    Can you eat a plantain like a banana? ›

    I think most people are confused because it looks so much like a banana but it doesn't peel like a banana, taste (much) like a banana, and it isn't eaten like a banana. The plantain is a starchy cousin of the banana, and all that added starch means it almost always needs to be cooked before it can be eaten.

    What is the healthiest way to eat plantains? ›

    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.

    Which is healthier, green banana or green plantain? ›

    Both fruits have similar nutritional and health-promoting properties. Bananas and plantains contain similar nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, minerals, and fiber. Because they contain similar nutrients, they also have similar functions in promoting human health.

    Which is healthier banana or plantain? ›

    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.

    Which is healthier green or ripe plantain? ›

    While raw green plantains contain more calories and carbohydrates than yellow plantains, their fiber content is higher, and their naturally occurring sugar content is lower.

    Which plantain is most medicinal? ›

    Plantago major (P. major), commonly known as great plantain, is a widespread used medicinal plant from the Plantaginaceae family (1). Plantago major is called “Lesan-ol-haml” or “Barhang” in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) (2).

    How to tell if a plantain has gone 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.

    Can I freeze plantains? ›

    when all your plantains just get ripe at once? Today I'm going to show you how I store mine. And it can last you for a very long time. So you want to peel them, cut them into any shape or size that you prefer, and then freeze them.

    When should you throw away plantains? ›

    Plantains last a long time at room temperature, gradually ripening and changing color. When a plantain is black, it should still feel as firm as a firm banana. If it's very hard, throw it out. Even when it's ripe, a plantain keeps well.

    Can you eat plantains every day? ›

    People can eat plantains as part of a healthful diet. They are high in carbs, however, so if a person is trying to manage their weight, they should be aware of portion size. Also, it may be preferable to bake or boil plantains rather than frying them.

    Why is a plantain not a banana? ›

    A plantain is a starchy tropical fruit that is part of the banana family. Plantains are larger than bananas, have a thicker skin and a higher starch content. Plantains can be eaten when ripe (yellow or brown skin) or unripe (green skin) and are used in sweet and savory applications.

    Is it good to eat plantains every day? ›

    That said, eating plantains in moderation can greatly contribute to a healthful diet, as they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

    Is green plantain good for the liver? ›

    Plantains are a great food to eat if you have cirrhosis. They are high in potassium and magnesium, which can help to improve liver function. Plantains are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the liver from damage.

    What are the side effects of taking plantain? ›

    However, plantain supplements may cause mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and skin reactions. High doses may trigger more serious side effects, including anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction ( 1 ).

    Is plantain healthier than bananas? ›

    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.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6212

    Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

    Birthday: 1996-01-14

    Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

    Phone: +3571286597580

    Job: Product Banking Analyst

    Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

    Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.