On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love plantains? Growing up in South Florida, I was always surrounded by them. After Asian food, Latin food is my favorite. There’s just so much good flavor and love that goes into the food. I also love that there are a lot of things that combine sweet and salty. For example one of my favorite things to eat is white rice, black beans and maduros (sweet plantains)
one of my favorite things to eat is white rice, black beans and maduros (sweet plantains) –
it doesn’t get much better than that! So, speaking of sweet plantains, you can also purchase plantains when they’re green, making them super versatile for the flavors you’re going for.
I’m actually not Hispanic at all (despite popular belief ) but I feel like an honorary member of their culture! I grew up immersed in it. I understand (for the most part) the language and can speak a little bit. Also, Kevin is half Venezuelan so that gives me some brownie points, right?! Ha! His mom and abuela are AMAZING cooks and I hope to learn [even more] of their ways once we move back home. I want to be able to pass down traditional foods and customs to my children one day, it’s so important! Kev’s dad is German (which I think is so cool because I have some German too!) and I’m a half Jewish white girl. I’m exhausted for our children already, they have a lot to learn!
Anyway, now that I’ve told you our entire life story and that I want my future children to be cultured little humans, I think we should move on. Or at least get back to the plantains, yeah? I mentioned before how versatile they are so I really wanted to show you guys some easy recipes that you could all make for your next party, dinner or lunch!
Air Fried Tostones with Basil Mojo
I’m about to turn into a plantain I’ve made these so often in the last month. It’s just so easy, it barely causes any sort of mess and it’s SO good. They taste just like they’ve been fried in a ton of oil. They get super crispy and I’m obsessed with the sauce to dip them in. I like basil way more than parsley and it adds an amazing freshness! I like buying fresh from Fresh Direct!
Air Fried Tostones with Basil Mojo
Ingredients
- 2 Large Green Plantains
- 2 Tbs Butter melted
- 2 Tbs Chopped Fresh Basil
- 3 Tbs Olive Oil
- 3 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
Instructions
- Cut plantains into 10 equal pieces and add to a medium bowl
- Add melted butter to plantains
- Place the plantains in the air fryer set to 400 degrees and bake for 10 minutes
- Using two pieces of parchment paper and a round glass bottom, smash the plantains. One piece of parchment on the counter or cutting board, then the plantain, then the parchment then smash. Got it? 😛
Basil Mojo
- Add remaining ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Add salt & pepper to taste.
Plantain & Black Bean ‘Fritters’
These are also air fried but can totally be done in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. These get crispy almost like falafel. They would be great in a bowl situation as a meal (beans have protein people) or just as a snack! The avocado dipping sauce kind of makes them though SO if you plan on putting these in a bowl as a meal DON’T FORGET IT!
Plantain and Black Bean Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 Large Yellow Plantains
- 1/2 Can Black Beans drained
- 1 Clove Garlic minced
- 2 Tsp Salt
Instructions
- Cut plantains into chunks and place in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Put plantains and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mash until smooth.
- Using a medium ice cream scoop or 1 tbs form balls and place in air fryer at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. *If you don’t have an air fryer you can bake them in the oven, it just might take slightly longer.
- Plantain Burgers with Spicy Guac & Queso Fresco
Plantain Burgers with Spicy Guac & Queso Fresco
Ok I will not lie to you. This recipe has been on my blog for a while now. This one shows the most diversity for me. It’s a great #MeatlessMonday option or easy weeknight meal. I guarantee you it will become a family favorite! Find the Recipe Here
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! This was so much fun to come up with and test (who doesn’t love taste testing, am I right?) I just love plantains so much and I hope you’ll go out and buy one if you’ve never tried it before! They’re literally just larger bananas so nothing to be afraid of here. Unless you’re allergic, then I don’t recommend! Thinking maybe I should also do a ‘3 Things To Do with Sweet Plantains’ post, what do you think? Comment below and let me know!
Until next time friends, happy eating!
Hungry for More? Try these Ropa Vieja Toston Boats