Are you ready to indulge in a world of deliciousness? Look no further than the humble sweet plantain! While often used as a side dish or added to savory dishes, this versatile fruit can also be the star of the show. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings or a unique twist on traditional recipes, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering sweet plantain recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From decadent desserts to savory snacks and even breakfast options, these dishes are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, our recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients.
So, let’s get started! Here are some of the scrumptious sweet plantain recipes we’ll be diving into:
Caramelized Sweet Plantains with Honey and Cinnamon
Transform ordinary sweet plantains into a caramelized masterpiece with the warmth of honey and cinnamon. This simple recipe elevates the natural sweetness of the plantains to new heights, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe sweet plantains
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re lightly browned.
4. Remove the plantains from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the honey evenly over the plantains, then sprinkle with cinnamon.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the plantains are caramelized and tender.
7. Serve warm, sprinkled with salt if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Tacos: A Twist on Classic Mexican Flavors
These tacos combine the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the savory flavors of black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy corn tortilla. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Slice the plantains into 1/2-inch rounds and add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
5. Stir in the cumin and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the tacos by spooning the plantain-black bean mixture onto the tortilla, followed by any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Sweet Plantain Chips
Transform sweet plantains into crispy, flavorful chips with this simple recipe. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these baked plantain chips are a delicious alternative to traditional potato chips.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe sweet plantains
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: Additional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional pancakes by incorporating sweet plantains into the batter, then top with pure Canadian maple syrup for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed plantains, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Coconut Rice Pudding
Sweet Plantain and Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
This creamy pudding combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the richness of coconut milk, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, sliced plantains, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Grilled Sweet Plantains with Lime and Chili
Elevate your tropical game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with a burst of citrusy freshness and spicy kick. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish, these grilled sweet plantains are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe sweet plantains
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to desired heat level)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Brush both sides of the plantain slices with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Grill the plantains for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop nice grill marks and caramelized spots.
5. In a small bowl, mix together lime juice and chili flakes.
6. Once the plantains are cooked, brush them with the lime-chili mixture and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Plantain Empanadas with Cream Cheese Filling
Experience the combination of tender plantains and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, making for a delightful dessert or snack. This recipe is perfect for those who love sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 1 package empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
4. Roll out the empanada dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Place a spoonful of cooked plantains onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the filling.
6. Top with a dollop of cream cheese mixture (softened cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla extract).
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Bacon Skewers
Sweet Plantain and Bacon Skewers
A sweet and savory twist on traditional skewers, these bite-sized treats combine caramelized plantains with crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Add plantain slices and toss until well coated.
- Thread a piece of bacon onto a skewer, followed by a few pieces of sugared plantain. Repeat for each skewer, leaving some space between the plantains.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until plantains are caramelized and bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Plantain French Toast
Transform ordinary French toast into a tropical delight by adding sweet plantains! This unique breakfast or brunch dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or brioche work well)
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté the sliced plantains in butter until caramelized and tender.
6. Assemble the French toast by placing a slice of cooked bread on a plate, topping with a few slices of plantain, and drizzling with maple syrup (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Mango Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a tropical twist by blending together sweet plantains, juicy mangoes, and creamy yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Toppings: granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks.
2. In a blender, combine the plantain chunks, mango, Greek yogurt, and honey.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
5. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
6. Top with your desired toppings (granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh mint leaves).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of dark chocolate chips. These chewy cookies are perfect for a sweet treat or as a special dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add mashed plantains and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Chicken Curry
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the savory flavors of chicken curry, resulting in a unique and delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add chicken, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook until chicken is browned.
4. Add plantain slices, coconut milk, and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 20-25 minutes or until plantains are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Cheese Arepas
Arepas are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, typically filled with savory ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll add a sweet twist by pairing caramelized plantains with melted cheese for a unique and delicious filling.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 2 cups cooked arepa dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Caramelize the plantains by cooking them in a pan with butter and salt until they’re golden brown.
3. Cook the arepa dough according to package instructions or recipe.
4. Assemble the arepas by spreading a layer of cheese on each patty, followed by caramelized plantain slices.
5. Fold the arepas in half to enclose the filling and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the arepas are crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Sweet Plantain Bread with Walnuts
Sweet Plantain Bread with Walnuts: A delicious twist on traditional banana bread, this recipe incorporates ripe plantains and crunchy walnuts for a unique flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed plantains, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Shrimp Ceviche
This sweet and savory ceviche combines the natural sweetness of plantains with succulent shrimp, all marinated in a zesty lime juice mixture. Perfect for a light and flavorful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the plantains into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, onion, and cilantro.
3. Add the plantain pieces to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, season with salt to taste.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Sweet Plantain and Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this creamy and delicious sundae featuring caramelized sweet plantains and rich vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe sweet plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– Whipped cream (optional)
– Chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the plantain slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are caramelized and tender.
4. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a sundae dish or glass.
5. Top the ice cream with the caramelized plantains.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
7. Add whipped cream and chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Spinach Salad with Citrus Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional greens, this salad combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the earthiness of spinach and a zesty citrus dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves, baked plantain slices, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and chopped nuts.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice and honey until well combined.
5. Pour the citrus dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Peanut Butter Energy Bites
A nutritious and delicious snack that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of peanut butter, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed plantains, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the rolled oats and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 bites.
4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. If desired, roll the tops of the bites in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added crunch.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet plantain delights! From classic desserts to savory twists, this collection of 18 recipes showcases the versatility and deliciousness of ripe sweet plantains. Discover unique treats like caramelized sweet plantains with honey and cinnamon, sweet plantain empanadas with cream cheese filling, and even sweet plantain and bacon skewers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a special occasion dessert, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
