Do you have overripe plantains lying around in your kitchen, and you’re not sure what to do with them? Well, worry no more! Overripe plantains are perfect for making some delicious dishes. In this article, we will be sharing with you 8 overripe plantain recipes that you can try out at home.
Table of Contents
- 1. Overripe Plantain Pancakes
- 2. Fried Plantains
- 3. Plantain Chips
- 4. Plantain Fritters
- 5. Plantain Muffins
- 6. Plantain Porridge
- 7. Plantain Omelet
- 8. Plantain Fufu
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
- Can I use green plantains instead of overripe plantains?
- Are these recipes vegan-friendly?
- How do I know when a plantain is overripe?
- Can I freeze overripe plantains?
- Are there any health benefits to eating plantains?
1. Overripe Plantain Pancakes
Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? These overripe plantain pancakes are a great way to use up those overripe plantains. Simply blend the plantains, add some flour, eggs, and milk to make the batter. Then, cook on a non-stick pan, and voila! You have a tasty and nutritious breakfast.
Mash 2 overripe plantains in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of flour, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the bowl and mix until well combined. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
Pour a quarter cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the other side is golden brown. Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup or whipped cream.
2. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a classic side dish that goes well with almost anything. All you need to do is slice the plantains and fry them in hot oil until they’re golden brown. You can add some salt and pepper for flavor and serve with your favorite dip.
3. Plantain Chips
Plantain chips are a healthy and tasty snack that you can make using overripe plantains. Slice the plantains thinly and fry them until they’re crispy. You can season them with salt, pepper, or any other seasoning of your choice.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel 2 overripe plantains and slice them into thin rounds. Toss the plantain slices in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any other seasonings you like, such as paprika or garlic powder.
Spread the plantain slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy the plantain chips as a snack or side dish.
4. Plantain Fritters
Plantain fritters are a popular snack in many African countries. To make them, mash the overripe plantains and mix them with flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Then, drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Plantain Muffins
Plantain muffins are a great way to use up those overripe plantains and make a healthy snack for the whole family. Mash the plantains and mix them with flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. Then, bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, and you have some delicious plantain muffins.
6. Plantain Porridge
Plantain porridge is a popular dish in many African countries. To make it, boil the plantains in water until they’re soft, then add coconut milk, sugar, and any other seasoning of your choice. Cook for a few minutes until the porridge is thick and creamy.
7. Plantain Omelet
Plantain omelets are a tasty and nutritious breakfast option. Simply slice the plantains and fry them until they’re golden brown. Then, mix some eggs with milk and pour the mixture over the plantains. Cook until the eggs are set, and serve with some toast.
8. Plantain Fufu
Peel 3 overripe plantains and cut them into small pieces. Boil the plantain pieces until they are soft and tender, then drain the water. Mash the plantain with a potato masher until it forms a smooth paste. Serve the fufu with a soup or stew of your choice.
Wrapping Up
Overripe plantains are versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes. From pancakes to omelets, there’s no shortage of recipes to try out. So, the next time you have overripe plantains lying around, don’t throw them away! Try out one of these recipes and enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.
FAQs
Can I use green plantains instead of overripe plantains?
Green plantains are less sweet than overripe plantains and may not work well in some recipes. However, you can try using them if you prefer a less sweet taste.
Are these recipes vegan-friendly?
Some of these recipes can be made vegan-friendly by substituting eggs and milk with vegan alternatives.
How do I know when a plantain is overripe?
Overripe plantains are black and soft to the touch. They may also have a slightly fermented smell.
Can I freeze overripe plantains?
Yes, you can freeze overripe plantains. Simply peel the plantains, slice them, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
Are there any health benefits to eating plantains?
Yes, plantains are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They can help with digestion and may also have some anti-inflammatory properties.
