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15 Plantain Recipes That Are Delicious and Versatile

December 14, 2023

This ingredient is a favorite around the world, from the Philippines to Ghana. Just try these recipes, and you'll understand why.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher

Our Best Ideas for Plantain

Plantains are a cousin of the banana, but with a much thicker skin and a starchier texture. That texture means the tropical fruit cooks more like a sweet potato. They work well in baked sheet pan recipes, fried recipes and even hearty casseroles—so it's no wonder you'll find them used around the world, from the Caribbean, to the Phillipines, to West Africa (and beyond). You can use plantains that are totally green, when they're firmer and starchier, or wait until they start to turn yellow and black for a sweeter taste. We’ve rounded up recipes using plantains in every hue, starting with a Ghanian classic: stuffed plantain boats. Using ripe yellow plantains, the fruit is roasted until caramelized and stuffed with a spicy corned beef mixture. The result is a meal that’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory and a whole lot of delicious.

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Photo: Felicia Perretti

Jollof Rice with Fried Plantains

This one-pot rice dish embodies West African cuisine at its finest. The recipe calls for ripe, almost-black sweet plantains that are simply sliced and fried to pair with the spicy tomato-pepper rice.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher

Turon

Turon is a classic Filipino dish that uses the ripest, sweetest plantains to stuff lumpia, or fried rolls. This version pairs them with sweet canned jackfruit and utilizes store-bought lumpia or spring roll shells.

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Photo: Matt

Pastelón de Amarillos

Pastelon, as we know it today, has both Puerto Rican and Italian influences. This take on the casserole has layers of sweet caramelized plantain, melted mozzarella and a caper-tomato sauce not unlike puttanesca.

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