5 delicious ways to enjoy plantains
What's the story
Often mistaken for bananas, plantains are versatile, nutritious fruit that can be added to a number of dishes. Unlike bananas, plantains are cooked before consumption and can be used for sweet as well as savory recipes. They are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Here are five unique ways to add plantains to your daily meals, giving a fresh twist to traditional recipes.
Chips
Plantain chips: A crunchy snack alternative
Plantain chips make a delicious alternative to normal potato chips. Simply slice the plantains thinly and fry until golden brown. These chips can be seasoned with salt or spices like paprika to amp up the flavor. They can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack or with dips like guacamole or salsa. This easy preparation method makes plantain chips a hassle-free addition to any meal plan.
Mash
Mashed plantains: A comforting side dish
Mashed plantains make for an equally comforting side dish, like mashed potatoes but with a whole other taste. Simply boil ripe plantains until soft, and mash them with some butter or olive oil for that creaminess. You can add garlic or herbs for additional flavor if you like. The dish would sit well with beans or vegetables, making for a satisfying accompaniment to any main course.
Pancakes
Plantain pancakes: A sweet breakfast treat
Plantain pancakes add sweetness and nutrition to the breakfast table without added sugars. Blend ripe plantains with flour and milk to create the batter, then cook on a griddle till golden brown on both sides. These pancakes can be topped with honey or fresh fruits like berries for an additional burst of flavor, while maintaining their health benefits.
Casserole
Baked plantain casserole: A hearty meal option
A baked plantain casserole makes a great choice if you're looking for hearty meals without meat products involved in its preparation process at all times. Just layer sliced ripe plantains between layers of vegetables (bell peppers work great) and cheese (if you want) and bake it all up until bubbly perfection is achieved inside oven settings adjusted accordingly beforehand too.
Grilled
Grilled plantains: An easy outdoor delight
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness lying within each piece when done right over open flames outdoors during warmer months. It's an especially pleasurable experience with friends and family alike. They're seated around a barbecue pit nearby, maybe even a backyard setting, chosen instead depending on personal preferences involved. Here today, now more than ever before, this scene is witnessed everywhere across the globe.