Discover the versatility of plantains with these delicious and easy-to-make recipes that showcase this tropical fruit’s rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re craving a light snack or a hearty dish, these recipes are packed with nutrients and bold flavors.

Plantain Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 ripe plantain, peeled and mashed
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• ½ cup flour — all-purpose or oat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Mash the plantain in a bowl until smooth, leaving only small lumps.
2. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla, stirring until well combined.
3. Mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear.
6. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or yogurt.

Fried Golden Crisps

Ingredients

• 2 green or slightly ripe plantains
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: chili powder, garlic powder or paprika for seasoning

Instructions

1. Slice off both ends of each plantain and make a shallow cut along the peel. Remove the skin carefully and discard. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the plantains into thin, even rounds — about 1/8 inch thick.
2. In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. To test, drop a small piece of plantain into the oil — it should sizzle immediately without burning.
3. Carefully add the plantain slices in small batches, making sure they don’t overlap. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chips from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Careful — they’ll be piping hot. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like.
5. Let the chips cool slightly before serving to enhance their crispiness. Enjoy on their own or pair with dips like guacamole, salsa or garlic aioli.

Sweet-and-Savory Tostones Nachos

Ingredients

• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ avocado, diced
• ¼ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Smash the plantain rounds gently using the bottom of a glass or a tostonera to flatten them into discs. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the flattened plantains until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels and season with salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
2. Arrange the tostones on a serving plate like nachos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and black beans, then lightly microwave until the cheese melts. Top with diced avocado, tomatoes and red onion. Drizzle with sour cream, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical twist on nachos — crispy, cheesy and full of bold flavors.

Fun Fact

Did you know plantains are sometimes called “cooking bananas” because they’re way starchier than regular bananas and are almost never eaten raw? In some places, they’re so versatile, they’re known as the “banana’s cool, savory cousin” and can be used in everything from fries to pancakes. Talk about a plantain party.

words&design_lizzie kristal. photo_valeria barbaglio.

This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2025 print issue.

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