"Plan-tain? Plan-tin?" (Skip to recipe)
Whilst we leave you to decide, here's a vegetable we're celebrating this Veganuary, Plantain!
In the world of vibrant, wholesome foods, few ingredients boast the versatility and rich flavours that plantains bring to the table. What makes them truly remarkable is their ability to seamlessly fit into various dishes, offering a unique twist to every culinary creation.
What is plantain?
Belonging to the Musaceae family, plantains (Musa paradisiaca) are starchy fruits that resemble bananas but differ in taste, texture, and culinary applications. They are a staple in tropical regions across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Plantains come in various stages of ripeness, each offering different culinary possibilities.
Plantain holds such a special place in our hearts (or tummies!) when it comes to Afro - Caribbean cuisine. From everywhere within the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, plantain is used from stews to mashes to breads. Its versatility is incredible but most of us will stick to the most comforting way of cooking it, frying! We've come up with a healthier alternative to cooking plantain, paring it with pantry staples to compliment it.
Why do we love plantain?
For so many reasons... do you have the time? They are gluten free, vegan, packed with nutrients. And the variations around the world are plentiful; with Maduros being found all over central America, Dodo from Nigera, Alloco from Ivory Coast, to name a few.
We're celebrating Veganuary with this simple plant based plantain recipe, taking some inspiration from Ghana's Kelewele where garlic is one of the main ingredients. This recipe guarantees crispy, flavourful plantains with a hint of garlic and a touch of spice. The natural sweetness of the ripe plantains merges effortlessly with the savoury garlic and spices, creating a symphony of flavours. Whether you enjoy them as an starter, a side dish, or a tasty snack, you're in for a treat that'll transport your taste buds to paradise. 😋🏝️ Ready to try it? Lets go!
Roasted Plantains with Garlic
Step 1: Ingredients Psst... you can shop for the ingredients on our website!
For the Plantain:
🍌 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
For the Marinade:
🧄 4 cloves of garlic, minced
🥄 2 tablespoons of olive oil
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of paprika
🌶️ 1/2 scotch bonnet, de-seeded & diced (adjust to your taste)
🧂 Sea salt & black pepper (for seasoning)
🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step 2: Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
To make the marinade, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, scotch bonnet, sea salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix, then leave it to stand for 10 minutes.
Once the times up, It's time to add the sliced plantains to the bowl and give them a good toss in the marinade. Make sure that each piece is evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease with some oil.
Now, arrange the marinated plantain slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. We want them to roast evenly and give us that golden perfection.
Pop them in the preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, be sure to flip them, so they get that beautiful caramelisation. You should for sure smell the aroma!
Once they're done roasting, take them out of the oven and give them a minute to cool down.
Voila! Your roasted plantains with garlic are ready to be devoured. They make a fantastic side dish or a delightful snack. Pair them with your favourite stew, or like we said, enjoy them on their own. The options are endless!
Step 3: Taste & Review!
Don't forget to snap some photos and share your culinary adventure with us... 💚📸 We can't wait to see your creations! And hey, feel free to spread the love by using our official hashtag #CinnamonLeafKitchen... we'd love to feature your creations on our socials!
Enjoy the journey, my friends! Bon appétit! 🌟🍽️