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Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains

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With perfectly caramelized edges, a comforting hint of sweetness, and two different flavors to choose from, these Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains are a crowd pleaser!

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I’ve never been to Puerto Rico, nor am I going to pretend to have any insight into traditional Puerto Rican household cooking (I wish!!). BUT, the Caribbean is one my favorite destinations ever. Sun 24/7 and 80+ degrees seals the deal for me, as I’ve always been a total warm weather lover. When I was lucky enough to be down there, I always gravitated towards their fresh fish. While the fish was amazing, the Puerto Rican style fried plantains that often came on the side are what really stuck with me. 

Warm, caramelized, and perfectly sweet and salty, these Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains are my version of this memorable side dish! I took a healthier spin with heart healthy olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. Plus, I reduced the amount of oil from the traditional deep fry method. With this method, the plantains get all that delicious flavor from the amazing seasonings and natural sweetness of the overripe plantains. 

Now, let’s talk about those flavors.

Plantains can be prepared in so many different ways… so I couldn’t possibly just give you guys one option. The Sea Salt Plantains are a classic, and are wonderful amongst any main course that has a bit more going on. If you’ve never had a Puerto Rican style plantain before, these are the ones to try first… you will instantly fall in love! 

But, I also had to throw in a fun variation, and, let me tell you, these Chili Lime Plantains deserve some serious attention. With a ton of zesty lime flavor and a lil punch from the chili powder, these plantains are addicting!! In my mind, they’re the perfect cross between Takis, Tajín seasoning, and lime tortilla chips… now you see what I mean when I say they’re addicting. Plus, they’re a whole lot healthier, and make for an amazing Mexican side dish. Add these to any Mexican party spread, on the side of a simple protein, or just go at em with a fork! Any way you eat them, I know you’ll be obsessed!

My favorite way to plate these up, though, is with my simple Avocado Crema. Check out my Crispy Black Bean, Tomato, and Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Crema for the recipe. Oh, and those tacos would be A DELICIOUS main to go with these Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains…. just saying. Or, try my Super Simple Mexican Corn Dip with these… so good.

However you prepare them, I know you will be obsessed! Just make sure to serve them warm… it’s a game changer. Leave me a comment below! Enjoy!

Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains

Recipe by Annie PatrickCourse: Appetizers, Side dishCuisine: Puerto Rican, Latin
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

4

minutes
Total time

6

minutes


With perfectly caramelized edges, a comforting hint of sweetness, and two different flavors to choose from, these Healthier Puerto Rican Plantains are a crowd pleaser! 

Ingredients

  • Sea Salt Plantains:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil*

  • 2 overly ripe (as black as possible) plantains, sliced on an angle

  • 2 tsp sea salt

  • 2 tsp garlic powder, optional

  • Chili Lime Plantains:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp lime zest (about ½ a lime)

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 3 tbsp olive oil*

  • 2 overly ripe (as black as possible) plantains, sliced on an angle

  • 2 limes, juiced

Instructions

  • Sea Salt Plantains:
  • Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the plantain slices and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Sprinkle each side with sea salt and garlic powder (if using) before flipping.
  • Allow to drain on a paper towel for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy!
  • Chili Lime Plantains:
  • In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, lime zest, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the plantain slices and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Sprinkle each side with the prepared rub before flipping.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with the lime juice and a pinch more salt, if desired. Allow to drain on a paper towel for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • To speed up the ripening process, I put my plantains in a brown paper bag or any other dark place. This works for most fruits and vegetables!
  • Instead of olive oil, you could use avocado oil, butter, or any full-bodied cooking spray. 
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