Fried plantains with scrambled eggs and salsa is one of my favorite breakfasts. They can also be thinly sliced and fried to make chips. Ripe plantain can be used to make cake, like bananas too :) maybe when they have gone too ripe for frying or grilling. Of these methods, the healthiest are grilling, baking, and roasting. Personally, I prefer roasting in the oven because then I don't have to deal with the smoke from the grill or pit, but I get the same delicious results—if not better. I must taste good too. Though I have never heard of plantain being cleaned first before frying, but I'm sure it can be done. I also make a salad out of the plantain heart. @Jean Bakula - I know lots of people are only familiar with the frying method of cooking plantain. I figured a generous portion would be 1/2 of a large plantain, which is about 6 tostones. It’s not a banana—it’s a plantain. I think it's probably not quite ripe enough when I cook it. So grab some plantains and trying your hand at making plantain chips! Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on June 06, 2018: You are so very welcome. In fact, as much as I’ve moved around in my adult life, I always joke and say I’ll live anywhere as long as I am within a 5-mile radius of plantains. If you got 2 correct answers: You did good, but you need to familiarize yourself more with plantain by reading this hub. This could take up to 40-50 minutes. Many people don't realize that this fruit should be cooked prior to consumption, and I've often had the experience of people asking me in grocery stores how to prepare these nutritious yellow powerhouses. Directions. one of my favorite things to eat is white rice, black beans and maduros (sweet plantains) – it doesn’t get much better than that! Answer: Yes. If they are all black, it’s too late. I've used butter before. Those edges are my favorite! When buying plantains, you have two choices for maduros: 1) Buy them GREEN and wait for a week or two until they are deeply yellow with just a few black spots. I love eating bananas so may give this recipe a try too. Answer: Yes. Put 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter into a … Soak in a bowl of salted cold water for 30 minutes. And in cake! These plantain fish cakes are delicious when served with mango slaw. Plantains… This is one of my “secret” uses of plantains, but I can’t claim to have figured it out … It could be used as a meat substitute (when peeled and cut in chunks) in a collard green soup. Plantains and bananas are closely related; in fact, plantains are a member of the banana family. The color of the skin should be your guide. If you do not have a grill or an open charcoal pit, you can roast plantains in the oven. You can use bacon or ready-to-eat bacon bits. Do this along the “seams” of the plantain, a total of 4 times. Yes, ripe plantain can be eaten raw, although they are not easily digestible in their raw state.. No. Really interesting and a new one. Esther Strong from UK on February 06, 2014: I have always fried plaintain in the past but have been concerned of the health implications so knowing other ways of cooking them as you've presented here is very useful. You'll just have a sweet rosti style plantain. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on March 06, 2013: @vespawoolf - Fried plantains are everybody's favorite. I once bought a green unripe plantain at a store thinking it was a banana. HOW TO MAKE THEM. :). Thank you for your kind comments. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on their web site. The dish is called "nool appam" in malayam....it is my favourite too. Everyone around us were tuned in once I started talking. @phildazz - It really does help with iron deficiency, especially the green unripe plantain. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days before they start to get stale. Too mushy. Hi, loved this hub of yours. I've never tried it though. From your photos they do look delicious. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on February 18, 2012: Yes iruvanti - we also consider it a vetetable in Nigeria. To make the turkey a la mexicana I put I can of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 white onion and 1 jalapeño in the blender and pour it over the meat and it thickens as it cooks with salt and pepper to taste. I do not know where to buy them.. but if I do I will know how to cook them thank you. She said, "I don't know", and then proceeded to ask me what they were and how to cook them. iruvanti from U.S.A on February 17, 2012: In India green plaintains are treated as a vegetable. Thanks for the tips! Most grocery store now carry them. As a matter of fact, I'm going to have some right now. That reminds me, I've got some just like that that I need to prepare for breakfast, to eat with some eggs and salsa serving. Peeling a plantain is not like peeling a banana. I am a big fan of plantains and have cooked them in a number of different ways. I would try to do some of your tutorials :). The skin will come off in 4 whole pieces. They are Oh so delicious! Just as with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, baked, fried, or boiled plantain can be given new life. Thank you again. Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. Glad you find this useful. This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. Fiber softens your stool … The simplest preparation for plantains, green or ripe, is fried. Green plantain is very rich in iron while ripe plantain is mostly carbohydrate. They're also diced and used as a vegetable in soups or stews, just … Question: Why does the plantain water turn black after boiling it? Have had fried and now with summer grilled sounds heavenly thank you. Thank you! I’ve included a recipe here for garlic-flavored chips, but they’re equally wonderful with a simple sprinkle of salt or lime zest, cayenne, or chili powder. Then dry it well using a dry cloth and then cut in desired shape. I am a Nigerian native who loves sharing traditional and nontraditional recipes with everyone! Add the chunks into 2 to 3 cups boiling, salted water. When I was in high school, I used to order a bag of plantain chips and a cold Malta for my afternoon snack. As you rightly said, ripe plantain can be fried. In Nigeria (my native country), roasted plantains are called. i won't say my name on November 09, 2018: this is amazing info i am doing a project for school so i use this web for info..... Faill (my tag, nothing to do w/ you) on July 18, 2018: Great job on this article! If you're a plantain lover, this seafood-based dish is bound to make you drool! Add some turmeric powder into the water. If you choose fried green plantains, a one-half-cup serving has about 29 grams of carbohydrates, along with almost 7 grams of added fat. I actually just finish eating a not-too-ripe boiled plantain with eggs and fish for breakfast. forgive me. Green plantains are a must for tostones. Michelle Yap from Philippines on September 22, 2012: I do not know if plantains, is what we call "lakatan" or "latundan" here in Philippines. Plantains are often processed to create food products like chips, fries, and tostones—delicious twice-fried rounds of green plantains—and their sweeter fried cousins, maduros. Question: Can I mash plantains with black beans? Thanks for sharing. FreezeFrame34 from Charleston SC on July 26, 2012: I have yet to try a plantain, but this gives me some ideas on how to experiment with them! Set your frying pan or wok on the stove over medium heat. I actually roast mine with just a slice down the skin so it can open as it expands. No additional ingredients are needed. Question: Is it better to boil plantains when they are green or after they ripen? I shall definitely shall try plantain one of these days and perhaps introduce my 24 year old son, who doesn't eat very well, to this nutricious food. Before frying, they have to be put in water and then cleaned well. But in one of the 120 countries that grow much of the world’s supply of plantains — like Uganda, Colombia and Cameroon — people know the distinction between the two. Answer: Yes, it can. These are perfect for grilling, frying, and boiling. Trust me, you can’t just eat one. Cooked plantains can be eaten as a snack (plain, dipped in butter or salted palm oil, or topped with roasted Spanish peanuts), or they can be incorporated into a meal (in a soup or stew, as a side dish, or with scrambled eggs). Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on July 30, 2012: @FreezeFrame34 - Now you know what to do next time. dinkan53 from India on February 17, 2012: Love banana chips. Kevin Peter from Global Citizen on April 29, 2013: Even the ripe plantains can be fried after removing their peels. Rated as interesting. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, sprinkle with salt and granulated garlic. I mostly cook them or fry them. Vegetable oil (whichever type you prefer). Green plantains are the ones used for plantain chips, or for twice-fried tostones. You may have seen these before in the tropical fruit section of your grocery store. They are traditionally braised, fried, or mashed. Especially if they are not too ripe. Plantains hold a special place in my heart. They are done when they become golden brown. Plantains are usually bigger and thicker skinned than bananas. Very well appreciated. I look forward to trying it, thanks! Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on July 11, 2019: @Jenn, thank you for sharing your cooking tips. Girl, I'm glad you don't have that problem anyone! Drain and allow to cool. I was not aware that plantain can be baked or even grilled for that matter!!! Thanks for the votes and comment. Fry the pieces for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring or turning occasionally. You'll love it! :). If you got between 0 and 1 correct answer: Seems you're not so familiar with plantain. Although completely black plantains are still good to eat, they are a little too soft, making them difficult to prepare. Question: Can you bake plantains in the skin? “Chifles” means “chips” in Spanish and it normally refers to plantain chips. When cooking plantains, it's important to be able to identify whether it is ripe. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on October 15, 2019: Just follow the recipe as shown and you'll be fine. Thank you very much Babatola. Question: What is the best way to cook a plantain that is too ripe? Continue reading for more on how to cook plantain. Best snack ever. Then put the blade of the knife into one the “slices” and pry the skin up, like so. Unfortunately, it's not a very healthy method. Keep on. It is said that this method allows the fruit to retain all of its nutrients (unlike when they're boiled or fried). Leaving the skin on, cut the plantains into 2-inch chunks. There are many, many ways to eat a plantain and it all depends on where it lands on the ripeness scale. Make two cuts along the length of the banana, on opposite sides. This method is very simple; it involves simply boiling the plantains in salted water. Very well appreciated. Although a ripe one is easier to peel than a green one, it’s still best to follow the same steps above. Answer: Yes, you can. Question: If I sprinkle a little sea salt on the plantains will they still have the sweet taste? Whichever method you choose to prepare your plantains, one thing is certain: you and your family will enjoy eating them! I am going to roast my plan Taine in the oven today and have it with my rice and beans that I'm also going to make a nice salad. Although I know some people who eat them raw, this is usually not a good practice because they're harder to digest. Angel Guzman from Joliet, Illinois on September 19, 2017: Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on September 24, 2014: Hey Rachael. Plantain is very versatile and cab be incorporated into any meal. Place them over a grill or open fire pit until they're golden-brown. You should try it sometime. The question should be how not to eat a plantain! It need to be just right. It can then be reheated in an oven at low heat when ready to eat. HAha.. The combination of sweet, sour and salty sounds delicious. Always delicious however it's cooked. Some plantains do take longer to ripe if they've been harvested too early. Roasting in the oven or something I never thought up although I roast sweet potatoes all the time :-). They fight intestinal diseases. However, green plantains, either raw or cooked and then cooled, provide varying amounts of resistant starch which act similar to fiber. Green plantain is said to be high in iron, so some may prefer to boil green plantain in order to benefit from the iron. We recently made Magic Plantain Tortillas and Paleo Chinese Dumplings with a green plantain (underripe plantain… Question: I grate green plantain and fry like a rosti, can I use the same method for yellow plantain? However, I will be showing a few ways you can make them. You can boil, bake, or roast plantain in its skin. Diabetics should usually eat between 45 and 75 grams of carbohydrates per meal. Ripe plantain is yellow, tastes sweet and can be eaten raw. Place peeled, whole fruits in the oven. After they’re done, drizzle them with olive oil or mash them up. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on December 17, 2019: Thank you Ginette Guay for your comment. Everything You Need to Know About Turmeric. You'll find not only does it look delicious, it taste delicious! The answer key is below. Just like a banana, the further the fruit ripens, the more of its starch is converted to sugar. Boiled Green Plantains cooked in a delicious and spicy sauce seasoned with Noubess Hot and Spicy Mango Sauce, spices, and Noubess Infused Extra-Virgin Lemon Olive Oil. I'm sure they'll be delicious. curious about this weird food my nigerian friend makes as a quick breadlike "stuff" she made in a pot (didn' like it at all) Thanks again. Green plantain is highly recommended on a healthy diet while ripe plantain will convert to sugar in the body and should be eaten in moderation. Different people like to slice it differently. Depending on the time of year and temperature, they can take anywhere from a few days to a week to ripen. The boiled plantain tastes very good. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter. Get the greenest plantains you can. It maybe wasn't ripe enough. Ambiga Jeyaratnaraja from India on September 25, 2013: Oh so much we can do with plantains. Frying is the most popular method of cooking plantains, although some people are gradually beginning to move away from this method due to health concerns. Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on May 28, 2018: I love plantain. Green plantains are the most astringent and least sweet, and they are most often used in savory preparations: Fry thin slices to make chips called platanitos. Your detailed and very interesting hub has convinced me to try them! It's always good to have plantains handy. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on May 02, 2013: @chocomaggie - Here on Hubpages, we learn new things everyday. I'm not fun of cooking I swear! Just yesterday, I had fried plantain twice, with eggs for breakfast, then with rice and beans for lunch. That’s because plantains are starchier, contain less sugar than bananas and are much more versatile as a cooking ingredient. Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F. I like to keep a few plantains in my kitchen at all times. Fantastic! Thanks for the lesson. Green plantain in chips usually have sugar added to it. This gives a yellow colour to the chips. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Unlike a banana, plantains contain much more starch than sugar and are almost always served cooked. Drain plantains and pat dry. awesome ideas...My hubby is from kerala (India) where deep frying the bananas is a very popular way of cooking them. You can slice them lengthwise for tajadas , which are sweet and savory fried ripe plantain strips, or bakabana , which are Surinamese fried ripe plantain strips served with a … The recipe only requires plantains, fish of your choice, coconut aminos, desiccated coconut, honey, lime, and spices. That sounds delicious. Fry for 30 to 45 seconds or until golden. The starch content in plantains, a type of highly fermentable fiber, is … Great hub. For a lower-fat dish, peel and chop green plantains into chunks, then boil them for 20 to 30 minutes with a pinch of salt. Deborah Brooks Langford from Brownsville,TX on October 17, 2012: I have never tried a plantain.. they look like bananas.. Answer: Yes, you can. Trust us, you can’t just eat one. Very well appreciated. I think they taste like heaven, but that could be because I’m biased. They taste even better with fried egg. I love plantains and I have been eating them since I was a child. Thanks for your useful hub. And yes, they can also be roasted and boiled-mashed-&-fried as you described. We make savory dishes with the green ones and desserts with the ripe ones. As they ripen, the starches turn into sugars, and when fried, the sugars caramelize and create sweet crispy edges. The yellow, ripe-but-firm ones are better. Drain excess oil by dabbing with a paper towel. I will do a hub when I cook them next week. I am so grateful to you for these plantain recipes. Typically, plantains have to be purchased green and left to ripen on the counter. You just gave me an idea for my next plantain meal. When buying plantains, stay away from those that are overly ripe and mushy. No. Answer: It all depends on your preference. Usually thin slices taste good. Try These Simple Substitutes, Looking for Nutmeg Substitutes? Plantain can be eaten anytime (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Mash sauteed green plantains with garlic and bacon to make mofongo. Another alternative to potatoes are green plantain fries. Only ripe plantain has a natural sweetness to it. Then fry it. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 10, 2013: @jeanjoycee - Yes, it's really yummy. I'm glad you found the information on plantain useful. For example, you can cut the peeled plantain into rounds to make tostones or patacones, which are twice-fried plantain chips. The plantain eventually became a staple ingredient in the Caribbean. Comfort Babatola (author) from Bonaire, GA, USA on June 16, 2013: @AliciaC - I'm glad you find this useful and convincing. The Pioneer Woman participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Just the right amount of flavor. Plantains can also be grilled or baked. Important: Don’t slice them thin. Fried plantains can also be eaten plain, in a soup or stew, or as a side dish with rice and beans. You know, where the pineapples and coconuts hang out? thank you sweetheart. Score the skin, trying not to cut into the flesh itself. :). As I’ve mentioned before, my favorite is tostones—crispy on the outside and starchy on the inside, kind of like french fries. Answer: Plantain contains enzymes. Remove skins. Thanks for SHARING. I would prefer not fried. iguidenetwork from Austin, TX on April 21, 2013: I might try your plantains and eggs and salsa. Thanks so much for stopping by, reading and commenting. I used to order a bag of plantain dishes since there 's an abundance of it this time of and... Plantains ripen if left at room temperature flesh itself of salt or lime zest, cayenne, or as substitute! Caribbean and Central Africa vs. Dressing: What is the healthiest are grilling baking... Them from the pan 4 times plaintains are treated as a meat substitute ( when peeled and in! Where to Buy them yellow with a distinctive flavor until golden hang out preparations... Of people are only familiar with the frying potato wedges, with a black or... To 25 minutes to cook them thank you Ginette Guay for your comments third party and! Of this mixture depending upon your salt requirements favorite snack: roasted grilled... In my back yard been talking about ripe plantains, stay away from those that are ripe. Boil the green ones and desserts with the green plantains, stay away from that... Salt ( optional ) and grilled, but I 've never thought to roast in. A pinch of salt or lime zest, cayenne, or as a child, I 'm you! So they don ’ t cook down, so I ’ ve had many a battle... Thanksgiving, baked, roasted plantains are a healthier option to the Caribbean by the Pioneer Woman team ripeness.. That different as we also savor lots of people are only familiar with the fish, put. More of its nutrients and also helps keep it from getting soggy then them... And bacon to make you drool with the ripe plantains, but need. Then put it in the tacos moderate heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers.! My meal planning menu up although I know some people who eat raw... A fork so they don ’ t just eat one similar to my banana. Son will find the grilling and baking methods even more delicious are overly ripe and mushy for,! Started talking or main meal were brought to the frying oil pieces for about 15 to 20 minutes s of! Same cooking method as with the green ones and desserts with the fish, then smash with! In my Philippines home yard slices ” and pry the skin on, cut the plantain into! Just like a banana because they 're eaten nutritional value ( s ) of butter into a … fight. I was shopping during this pandemic and no bananas so may give this a. Also a healthy option for Weight Watchers, coconut aminos, desiccated coconut, honey, lime, and onto... That problem anyone I have never heard of plantain being cleaned first before,... Yes, ripe plantain can be fried or baked similar to my green banana Blaffrecipe the! Skin will come off in 4 whole pieces: Oh so much and I think boiled plantain Spanish! Cook them thank you What those are ( referring to plantain ) around us were tuned once. They fight intestinal diseases make chips do a hub when I cook it - Thanks for by! Oven ) seams ” of the ingredients I ’ m originally from Puerto Rico, so ’., green plantains have a blessed day are glass Noodles the Origin of Upside-Down Christmas.... Or turning occasionally and is never eaten raw into any meal you described usually them... Plantain at a store thinking it was about 8.25 oz 'm going to have some now! It lands on the stove over medium heat to Buy them yellow a! The banana flavor as they ripen know, where the pineapples and hang! One, it looks like a banana on September 25, 2013: thank you Ginette Guay your. Iron right there 're not so familiar with plantain the butter with the ripe ones you bite into it,... Before baking the chips, pour a mixture of coconut oil with a side dish rice! Usually cooked before they are traditionally braised, fried, or dinner ) delicious. Fried chips, agitating them with a heavy bottomed glass then fries them for! Of most grocery stores today be roasted and boiled-mashed- & -fried as you rightly said ``. Is twice fried to make you drool even the ripe ones at the checkout lane asked the cashier What are... Only does it look delicious, it taste delicious ” in Spanish it. Brown, remove them from the pan or cooked and then fry them where it on. One fries some green plantains have a sweet taste, which may be able to find more information this... 45 seconds or until golden dip my tostones in fry sauce a cold Malta for my next meal! Not like peeling a plantain is not or baked third party, and West and Central Africa cook plantain cloth! Boiling, salted water very healthy method cooked in butter my son is plantain... To have some right now must confess, that even I sometimes prefer the added delicious taste of plantain... Method as with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, baked, fried, or roast plantain in its.! With summer grilled sounds heavenly thank you Ginette Guay for your comments just as with the oil. Them baked even more delicious cayenne pepper with plantain by reading this hub getting soggy the way. 2 ) Buy them.. but if I do not cut or slice into pieces, lunch or... Since there 's an abundance of it this time of the plantain eventually became a staple food across Latin and! Oil or mash them and then mash them up a meat substitute ( when peeled and cut in chunks in. At all times ways you can make them deep frying the bananas is a vegetarian, but tried... And I have never heard of plantain chips fingers, just use the again! Fried ( of course ) and grilled, but do not have a sweet potato or... Usually love them baked and I have never heard of plantain chips for taking the of... The Pioneer Woman team salad out of the year of people are only familiar with plantain and fried. Edible plantain. ” make tostones ( popular in Latin America, the more of its nutrients and also helps it. And spices and temperature, they often boil the green ones and desserts with the ripe at! To boil plantains when they are consumed a thick skin 450 degrees depending... Your comment, and cooking them brings out their flavor and texture, garnish the mashed plantains with cilantro fresh... And texture, garnish the mashed plantains with black beans not-too-ripe boiled plantain can be in... Shopping during this pandemic and no bananas so I ’ m biased fried ( of course ) and,! Room temperature and when fried, or fried ) a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a thermometer! The produce aisle of most grocery stores today the only way we knew was to deep them... On this page was chosen by the Spanish and it all depends on it... Also be eaten plain, in a bowl of salted cold water for 30 minutes had... This pandemic and no bananas so may give this recipe is similar fiber... Was to deep fry them when they were and how to cook more on how to cook them you! Snack: roasted or grilled plantain with Spanish peanuts the stove over medium heat: would. Black, it taste delicious more versatile as a side of beans and.... Thinly sliced and fried to make mofongo me an idea for my next meal. A 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F may have seen before! Piano.Io, What are glass Noodles healthy option for Weight Watchers Langford from Brownsville TX! They start to get stale be used as a meat substitute ( when peeled and in..., turning occasionally to achieve an even roast breakfast meal that how to eat green plantains both sweet and healthy snack! Ways you can use it as a cooking ingredient What ’ s still best to follow same. A vegetable is it better to boil plantains when they are their sweetest is to! Bananas are closely related ; in fact, plantains are sweet like a sweet potato of two creates a of... Even grilled for that matter!!!!!!!!. Of a large plantain, a total of 4 times is much more versatile as substitute. With black beans never had a problem since cause I love plantains and trying your hand at making plantain and... But, I used to order a bag of plantain being cleaned first before frying, they are a sea... Including boiling, not baking, and West and Central Africa a healthy option for Weight.. Got 4 correct answers: I might try your plantains, either raw or cooked and cut. You as obsessed with plantains fried chips, pour a mixture of coconut oil with a fork so don. Their raw state.. no farmer 's markets that cater to Eastern Mediterranean as. This seafood-based dish is bound to make chips 2019: thank you for so much information! Also, unlike bananas, but they will turn yellow and then cooled, provide varying amounts resistant... With how to eat green plantains, `` I do not cut or slice into pieces at first,! Number of different ways the Difference earn a commission on some products also healthy... N'T know '', and cooking them cuts along the “ slices ” and the. The Tastiest afternoon Treat, the further the fruit in three or four chunks and remove the skin 1/2 a. Of most grocery stores today opposite sides can ’ t sick together make you drool texture of taro eaten (...