20 Plantain Recipes You Didn’t Know You Needed
As a Cubana, I grew up eating fried sweet plantains (platanos maduros fritos) with pretty much every meal. I’ve also had plenty of tostones and plantain chips in my life, but I never thought that plantains had more to give than that. I mean, aren’t they just funny shaped bananas? (They’re not). As I learned to cook, however, I discovered that there is a whole world of recipes out there that utilize the humble plantain as a vehicle for many different types of dishes.
Plantains are typically sweet, so you might assume that all of the recipes on this list are going to be sweet too, but that’s just not true. There is plenty that you can do to plantain dishes that actually makes them savory or, in some cases, a mix of sweet and savory. Take, for example, the plantain gnocchi or plantain lasagna. If you’re curious and want to know how to make plantain tortillas for
Taco Tuesday or a plantain-infused brownie (yes, really!), here are 20 plantain recipes you didn’t know you needed. But trust me, you SO need these.
1. Plantain Tortillas
ZenBelly.comWhen it’s Taco Tuesday but you want a low-carb version, try these plantain tortillas. They’re delicious AND nutritious, and what else could we possibly ask for?
2. Sweet Plantain Apple Bacon Breakfast Hash
PaleoRunningMomma.comI’ve never considered plantains to be a breakfast food, but why not? This breakfast hash, that’s also made with apples, is a sweet yet savory treat at the same time.
3. Sweet Plantain Waffles
EasyGFRecipes.comThe sweetness of the plantains are a surprisingly great way to make waffles. All you need is to top them with your favorite other fruit, and trust me when I say that if you want to top them with fried sweet plantains, then that’s okay too. Just don’t forget the maple syrup!
4. Coconut Sugar Caramelized Plantains
MinimalistBaker.comFor a sweet, almost dessert-like treat, caramelized plantains are a great alternative to your usual fried sweet plantain treat. These are topped by whipped cream, which makes them even more special.
5. Plantain Lasagna
NashiFood.comDid you know that you can make a lasagna with plantains? Yes, you can! This recipe is delicious and actually much easier than you can imagine.
6. Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowls
PinchOfYum.comBurritos aren’t usually topped by plantains, but I don’t think there is any reason why you shouldn’t try this recipe. It’s a classic burrito bowl with a Brazilian twist… and that’s just delicious.
7. Sweet Plantain Gnocchi
ASassySpoon.comGnocchi, a classic Italian dish, gets a much-needed dose of Latin flavor when you make these pasta pillows with sweet plantains instead of sweet potatoes. It might seem strange at first, but this savory dish is pretty much perfect for a fancy date night dinner.
8. Plantain Buns
TheCuriousCoconut.comGot buns? These plantains do! You won’t believe what these are like. In fact, I recommend that you make these for your next Thanksgiving table and it’ll be a great time.
9. Plantain Carnitas Nachos
UnboundWellness.comNachos are absolutely delicious, and a perfect snack for any time of year. Instead of tortilla chips, you can use plantains for the base… and top them with basically anything you want. Might I suggest carnitas?
10. Plantain Fudge Brownies
HoldTheGrain.comYes, plantains are so sweet and incredible that they can even make a great dessert. Who doesn’t love brownies, after all? This recipe is for all of you sweet tooth out there.
11. Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains
SkinnyTaste.comYou already know that plantains are a great low-carb option for your dinner table, and these stuffed plantains are a great meal. Stuff them with a turkey picadillo for a healthy twist.
12. One-Pot Beans and Plantains
RecipeFromAPantry.comA one-pot meal is a great way to bring more plantains into your life. It’s a really easy to make this high-protein, low-carb meal. Eat it plain or with a little bit of quinoa for an added dose of protein.
13. Smashed Plantain Pulled Pork Slider
RealSimpleGood.comSmashed plantains are really easy to make, and you’ll be super grateful when you check out this recipe. A sandwich isn’t just a sandwich when you make it with smashed plantains as the bread base and pulled pork for the inside. Trust me, everyone at work will be jealous AF.
14. Baked Plantain Fries
Tasty-Yummies.comPlantain fries are a great way to indulge your love of French fries but without all the carbs. These are delicious, nutritious, and really easy to make. Oh, and that avocado side? It’s even better.
15. Three Cheese Plantain Crust Pizza
HealthyNibblesAndBits.comIf you’re really into being Paleo, then you are probably always looking for ways to make your favorite meals into Paleo-friendly versions. This pizza is pretty much the dream embodiment of that, and it’ll be good even if you’re not Paleo. After all, a plantain crust sounds pretty AH-mazing to me.
16. Plantain Bacon Fritters
PaleoRunningMomma.comYou can make fritters out of a lot of things, but you should definitely make them out of plantains first and foremost. These with bacon are especially delicious, and can be good for any time of day.
17. Tropical Buddha Bowls with Plantains
BeyondMereSustenance.comA Buddha Bowl is a great, healthy dish that usually costs a pretty penny in your local health store. You can recreate one at home, though, with plantains and many other delicious goodies like mangoes and avocados.
18. Single Serve Paleo Breakfast Skillet
PaleoRunningMomma.comIf you’re home along, you might not be sure how to incorporate plantains into your diet because most recipes serve more than just one person. However, this one is perfect for all of the single ladies out there.
19. Stuffed Plantain Cups
SmartLittleCookie.netPlatanos rellenos are a great dish to serve at your next party. They’re simple, bite-size, and really yummy. You can, of course, stuff them with anything but following this recipe exactly doesn’t disappoint.
20. Plantain Cake
DoYouEvenPaleo.comAnother plantain dessert, another day. This cake looks pretty delicious and is perfect for taking to your next gathering. If you’re not sure what else to bring, then just know that this one is a sure people-pleaser.
Recommend this story by clicking the share button below!
Notice any corrections needed? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com