- 1 Green or Ripe Plantain
- 2 cups Filtered Water Enough to cover the plantain
- 1 Pinch Salt Based on preference.
1 Small Pot
1 Cutting Board
1 Chef Knife
1 Fork
Step OneRinse the plantains and cut off the ends. Step TwoMake 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 ThreeCut the peeled plantains into your desired shape and size. Smaller pieces will cook faster. Step FourFill 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 FiveDrain the plantains and serve them hot or at room temperature.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Plantains
When picking plantains, remember that the color tells you everything! Green plantains are best for salty dishes, while yellow or dark brown ones are great for sweet recipes.
Green Plantains (For Salty Recipes)
Look for plantains that are bright green, firm, and free of blemishes or soft spots. Personally, I love picking out vibrant green plantains for savory dishes.
Ripened Plantains (For Sweet Recipes)
If you're going for sweet, look for plantains that are yellow with black spots or even fully brown.
These are perfectly ripened and packed with sweetness. Just a tip: if the plantain is still slightly green but mostly yellow, it’ll have only a mild sweetness.
