Are you ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your friends and family with delicious and unique sweet plantain recipes? Look no further! Sweet plantains are a staple in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, and when cooked to perfection, they can add a depth of flavor and texture to any dish. From savory to sweet, from breakfast to dinner, we’ve got you covered with these 18 mouth-watering sweet plantain recipes perfect for every occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to inspire your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the sweetness of life!
Caramelized Sweet Plantains with Cinnamon
Transform ordinary plantains into a sweet and indulgent treat by caramelizing them with cinnamon. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe sweet plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced plantains and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the plantains.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has caramelized and the plantains are golden brown.
6. Remove from heat, season with salt to taste, and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Tacos
A twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the savory flavor of black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 taco shells
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until plantains are caramelized and tender.
5. In a separate pan, heat the black beans over medium heat with diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble tacos by filling shells with plantain slices, black bean mixture, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 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 twist on traditional potato chips.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe sweet plantains
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: additional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer, leaving some space between each chip.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the plantain chips, sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chips are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup: A Delicious Breakfast Treat
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying breakfast by combining the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of maple syrup. These pancakes are a unique twist on traditional flapjacks, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Peel and mash the plantains in a bowl until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the mashed plantain until well incorporated.
6. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Coconut Rice Pudding
This creamy dessert combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a warm evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into coins
– 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled)
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced plantains and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are tender.
2. Drain the plantain mixture and set aside. In the same saucepan, add the cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
4. Fold in the cooked plantains and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Sweet Plantains with Honey Glaze
Elevate your grilling game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with a hint of honey. Perfect as a side dish or dessert, these grilled sweet plantains are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe sweet plantains
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Peel the plantains and brush both sides with vegetable oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon.
4. Brush the honey glaze on both sides of the plantains.
5. Grill the plantains for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes total
Sweet Plantain Empanadas
Sweet Plantain Empanadas: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Latin American Pastry
These sweet plantain empanadas are a delightful fusion of traditional Latin American flavors and modern twists. The combination of caramelized plantains, crunchy pastry, and hint of cinnamon will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 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 large skillet, cook the plantain slices over medium heat until caramelized and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Roll out the empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Place a spoonful of the caramelized plantains onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
8. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Cheese Arepas
Arepas are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, typically filled with savory ingredients. But why not mix things up with sweet plantains and melted cheese? This recipe combines the two to create a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella)
– 4 arepa flour patties
– 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Cook the arepa flour patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly puffed.
4. Place a cooked arepa patty on a plate, followed by a slice of plantain, a sprinkle of cheese, and a pinch of salt.
5. Drizzle with melted butter and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Plantain Bread with Walnuts
Sweet Plantain Bread with Walnuts: A Delicious Twist on Classic Bread
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the crunch of walnuts, creating a unique and flavorful bread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add mashed plantains, melted butter, egg, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Sweet Plantain and Chicken Curry
This Caribbean-inspired curry combines tender chicken with sweet plantains, aromatic spices, and a hint of tanginess. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, this flavorful dish is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add sliced plantains, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to skillet; simmer until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Sweet Plantain Smoothie with Banana and Almond Milk
Combine the tropical flavors of plantains and bananas with the creaminess of almond milk to create a deliciously sweet and refreshing smoothie.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and chopped
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1 cup almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the chopped plantains, sliced banana, and almond milk.
2. Add the honey and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again to combine.
6. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Bacon Wraps
Transform your snack game with these sweet and savory wraps featuring caramelized plantains and crispy bacon!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
– 4 large tortillas (flour or corn)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place plantain slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with brown sugar and honey. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
3. Cook bacon until crispy; set aside.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by spreading a few plantain slices on each tortilla, followed by a few pieces of crispy bacon.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Plantain Pudding with Vanilla Custard
Sweet Plantain Pudding with Vanilla Custard Recipe
Transform ripe plantains into a creamy, sweet, and indulgent pudding paired with a rich vanilla custard. This unique dessert is perfect for adventurous foodies and those looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 4-5 ripe plantains
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large egg yolks
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the plantain slices, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the plantains are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the warm plantain mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously.
6. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pudding is set and slightly golden brown on top.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the richness of dark chocolate chips, creating a unique and delicious cookie experience.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add mashed plantains, butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Shrimp Skewers
Add a tropical twist to your grilled skewers with this sweet and savory recipe. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner, these Sweet Plantain and Shrimp Skewers are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut plantains into 1-inch pieces.
3. Thread shrimp and plantain onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the skewers.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and plantains are caramelized.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Plantain French Toast
Start your day with a twist on traditional French toast by incorporating sweet plantains into the mix. This Caribbean-inspired breakfast treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or brioche)
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
– Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt.
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 slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, sauté the plantain slices in a separate pan with butter until caramelized.
6. Serve French toast warm with sliced plantains, maple syrup, or honey (if using).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Mango Salsa
Discover the tropical fusion of sweet plantains and juicy mangoes in this vibrant salsa perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and diced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the plantain slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast the plantains for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized and tender.
4. In a medium bowl, combine roasted plantains, mango, red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Stir well to combine.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Enjoy your Sweet Plantain and Mango Salsa!
Sweet Plantain Ice Cream with Caramel Swirl
This creamy ice cream combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with a rich caramel swirl, creating a unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree the plantain slices until smooth.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Add the plantain puree to the cream mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once the ice cream is almost set, drizzle in the caramel sauce and continue churning until well combined.
7. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on ice cream maker)
Summary
Indulge in the sweet taste of plantains with these 18 delicious recipe ideas! From savory to sweet, and from breakfast to dessert, there’s something for every occasion. Discover how to caramelize plantains with cinnamon, make tacos with black beans, or bake crispy chips. Enjoy pancakes with maple syrup, pudding with coconut rice, or empanadas with cheese. Even grilled plantains with honey glaze are a treat! Get creative and try out these sweet plantain recipes today!
