Plantain

Musa paradisiaca Fruit, Starchy Vegetable

Plantain Fruit, Starchy Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit, Starchy Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"The chameleon of the fruit world, transforming its culinary role with every stage of ripeness."

Definition

A starchy fruit similar to a banana, typically cooked before eating. Versatile in savory and sweet dishes, varying with ripeness.

Global Consumption Staple for 70+ million people
Ripeness Indicator Skin color dictates cooking method
Vitamin C Content 100g provides 30% DV

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Plantain are:

Savory (green) Mildly sweet (yellow) Very sweet (black)

Chef’s Secret

For perfectly crispy tostones, double-fry: first at lower temp to soften, then smash, then higher temp to crisp.

Best Substitutes

Green banana

for green plantain
Ratio 1:1

Potato

for green plantain
Ratio 1:1

Sweet potato

for ripe plantain
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Green for savory dishes, yellow with black spots for frying/baking, almost black for very sweet dishes.

Recipes Using Plantain

Low Cholesterol African Main Ingredient Low Cholesterol

Baked Ripe Plantains

Experience the irresistible sweetness and savory spice of West African baked ripe plantains! This easy recipe transforms ripe plantains into a crispy, caramelized treat perfect as a side dish or snack. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy will tantalize your taste buds.

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Healthy 2 Equipment Tropical Fruit Taste Mood

Baked Plantain Fries

Crispy, savory baked plantain fries – a healthier twist on a classic! This easy recipe from Make the Best of Everything blog delivers perfectly golden, flavorful fries in just 25 minutes. Get ready for a delicious and addictive snack or side dish that's surprisingly simple to make.

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Preparation Low Calorie Low Cholesterol Beef

Baho Beef Plantains And Yuca Steamed In Banana Leaves

Experience the authentic flavors of Nicaragua with this traditional Baho Beef recipe! 'Baho,' meaning 'mist' in Spanish, refers to the unique steaming method that creates incredibly tender beef, sweet plantains, and starchy yuca. This hearty Sunday afternoon feast is perfect for a special occasion or a family gathering. Prepare the flavorful marinade on Saturday, and enjoy the delicious results on Sunday after a simple steaming process. A true taste of Central American culinary tradition!

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Soups Stews Savory Soups Stews Cuisine

Ajiaco Cubano

Embark on a culinary journey through time with this authentic Ajiaco Cubano recipe! This hearty Cuban stew, a true reflection of Cuba's rich and diverse heritage, is a celebration of flavors from Indigenous roots to Spanish, African, and Chinese influences. Fernando Ortiz famously described Cuban cuisine as a 'mestizaje'—a vibrant blend of cultures—and this Ajiaco embodies that spirit perfectly. Imagine tender chunks of affordable, Cuban-style cut meat simmering alongside a medley of indigenous root vegetables like potatoes, yuca, malanga, and sweet potatoes, enhanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and turnip, and a hint of exotic spices. This isn't just a meal; it's a story told through every delicious bite. Learn the secrets passed down through generations, from 1925 cookbooks to modern Cuban kitchens, and create a dish that's both comforting and historically significant. Serve with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a truly authentic Cuban experience.

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4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Oaxacan

Lenten Lentils Oaxacan Style

Transport your taste buds to Oaxaca, Mexico with this vibrant Lenten Lentils recipe! A traditional Oaxacan favorite, these luscious lentils boast a unique tropical flair thanks to the addition of pineapple, plantain, cloves, and allspice. The generous dose of garlic adds a delicious zip, perfectly complemented by crispy fried plantain slices as a garnish. This hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish is perfect for Lent or any time you crave a taste of sunshine.

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Course North American Main Dish Vegetables

Absolute Best Chicken Soup

This family-secret Latin chicken soup recipe is bursting with fresh flavors! Inherited through marriage and perfected over time, this recipe is incredibly easy to scale for any gathering. Made with a hearty chicken broth and vibrant fresh herbs, including essential cilantro, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. Don't skip the fresh cilantro – it's the key to authentic flavor! Serves 6-8 (easily scalable).

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Free Of Something Egg Free Course Tropical Fruit

Bbq Melt In Your Mouth Plantains

Experience a taste of South and Central America with this 5-star BBQ Plantain recipe (rated on BBC Good Food!). Sweet plantains caramelize to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smoky BBQ glaze. Easy to make in just 40 minutes!

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Stove Top 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Main Ingredient

Belizean Fu Fu Mashed Plantain

Discover the creamy delight of Belizean Fu Fu Mashed Plantain! Inspired by a local Belizean women's group cookbook, this recipe transforms ripe plantains into a comforting side dish or unique breakfast option. Imagine the sweet, subtly savory flavor of perfectly mashed plantains – a taste of Belize in your kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for plantain lovers and anyone seeking a delicious, healthy, and authentic Caribbean experience. Easily customizable with butter and salt to your preference!

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Number Of Servings Stove Top Healthy Fruit

Almost Fried Plantains Virtually Fat Free

Craving the irresistible taste of fried plantains but watching your fat intake? This revolutionary technique delivers the crispy, sweet perfection you love without the guilt! Perfect as a side dish for Caribbean cuisine or any savory entree, these plantains are unbelievably delicious. We'll show you how to achieve that coveted fried texture with minimal oil, using ripe, flavorful plantains (look for yellow with brown spots for the best results). Each serving features a half plantain, but feel free to indulge in a whole one – they're that good!

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North American Low Protein Equipment Main Ingredient

Baked Plantains Cooking Bananas

Discover the irresistible sweetness of Caribbean-style baked plantains! This recipe transforms ripe plantains into a delectable dessert, even if they aren't perfectly black. A luscious, homemade syrup elevates the natural sweetness of the plantains, creating a taste of paradise in your kitchen. Easy to follow instructions and minimal prep time make this the perfect treat for any occasion.

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