How to Prepare Tasty Boiled Plantains at Home

Delicious moments are better shared!

Immerse yourself in the delightful world of boiled plantains, an easy and healthy preparation that brings out the best of this popular and versatile fruit. Plantains, a staple in many global cuisines, boast a starchy and subtly sweet flavor that sets them apart from their more familiar counterpart, the banana—often enjoyed as a side dish, boiled green and ripe plantains offer unique textures and flavors that complement a wide array of sweet and savory dishes.

Boiling plantains is a simple and healthier way to prepare them— it reduces the need for added fats during cooking. This blog post will delve into boiled green and sweet plantains’ simplicity, taste, and health benefits, celebrating their esteemed place in culinary traditions worldwide.

The Basics of Boiling Plantains

The Basics of Boiling Plantains Boiling plantains is a breeze!

To start, you’ll need the following:

• Green or ripe plantains
• A pot of water
• A cutting board
• A knife
• A fork or slotted spoon

To boil plantains, follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse the plantains and cut off the ends.
2. Make a shallow slit along the length of each plantain and remove the peel. Tip! To remove the peel easily, run the plantain under hot water, or put it in a bowl full of hot water before peeling.
3. Cut the peeled plantains into your desired shape and size. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
4. Fill enough water to cover the plantains and add them to the pot.
5. Cook until tender, about 10-20 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness. Note: test the plantain with a fork.
6. Drain the plantains and serve them hot or at room temperature.

Boiled Plantains And Flavorful Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore some delicious variations on boiled plantains:

Garlic and Herb Plantains: After boiling green plantains, toss them with minced garlic, fresh chopped herbs (such as cilantro, parsley, or basil), and a drizzle of olive oil—season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sweet Cinnamon Plantains: For a sweet treat, boil ripe plantains and then toss them in a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. This combination is perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast side dish.

Spicy Plantains: Add a kick to your boiled plantains by tossing them in a mixture of your favorite hot sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This spicy variation pairs well with grilled meats and seafood.

Plantain Mash: Mash-boiled plantains and mix with butter and salt for a delicious Dominican mangu, then topped with pickled onions.

If you’re in the mood for a crispy plantain recipe, try air fryer plantains con hogao or plantain fritters, also known as arañitas de platanos.

Tips for Choosing and Storing Plantains

To ensure you get the best-tasting boiled plantains, follow these tips for selecting and storing the fruit:

1. Choose plantains that are firm and free of blemishes or soft spots. Green plantains should be bright green, while ripe plantains should be yellow with black spots or darker brown.
2. Store plantains at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. They will continue to ripen over time, so if you want to slow down the ripening process, place them in the refrigerator.
3. Place plantains in a paper bag to speed up the plantain ripening process.
4. To peel plantains easily, cut off the ends and then make a shallow slit along the length of the fruit. Use your fingers or a knife to gently pry the peel away from the flesh.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between boiled green plantains and boiled sweet plantains? Green plantains are unripe and have a starchy, less sweet taste, making them suitable for savory dishes. Boiled sweet plantains, on the other hand, are ripe and have a soft, sweet taste, which makes them perfect for desserts or sweet side dishes.
2. How can I tell if my boiled plantains are done? Boiled plantains are done when tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the plantain pieces and their ripeness.
3. Can I freeze boiled plantains for later use? Yes, you can freeze boiled plantains. After cooling, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes or microwave them until heated through.
4. Are plantains healthy? Plantains are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and dietary fiber. They are low in fat and sodium, making them a healthy option for various diets.

Boiled Plantains

Print Recipe

Easy Boiled Plantain Recipe

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Colombian, Dominican

Keyword Boiled Plantains, Cooked Plantains, How to cook plantains

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings 2 people

Calories 218

Author Olga Muñoz

Equipment

• 1 Small Pot
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Chef Knife
• 1 Fork

Ingredients

• 1 Green or Ripe Plantain
• 2 cups Filtered Water Enough to cover the plantain
• 1 Pinch Salt Based on preference.

Instructions

• Step One

  Rinse the plantains and cut off the ends.
• Step Two

  Make a shallow slit along the length of each plantain and remove the peel. Tip! To remove the peel easily, run the plantain under hot water, or put it in a bowl full of hot water before peeling
• Step Three

  Cut the peeled plantains into your desired shape and size. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
• Step Four

  Fill enough water to cover the plantains and add them to the pot.Cook until tender, about 10-20 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness. Note: test the plantain with a fork
• Step Five

  Drain the plantains and serve them hot or at room temperature.