Category: Plantain

Plantain porridge

Plantain porridge is a stable Jamaican breakfast item. Its creamy and has warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s naturally gluten, dairy and grain free. I grew up eating porridge, so I am happy to share a cleaned-up version of a recipe that’s close to my heart.

Plantain porridge

What is porridge?

Porridge is a thick soup usually made from a starch vegetable. Porridge can be made from green bananas, green plantain and oats. However, it is mostly made in Jamaica using cornmeal.

Do you have to use green plantains to make plantain porridge?

While its usually made with green plantains, you can use plantains at any stage of ripeness. Just keep in mind that the riper the plantain the sweeter the porridge will taste which may affect whether or not to use a date in the recipe.

What goes well with plantain porridge?

I like to enjoy plantain porridge with a little coconut milk drizzled on top with some ground cinnamon, but you can add on some sliced fruit if you wish. It’s a great addition to have with eggs and bacon for breakfast.

Other things to know about this recipe:

  1. When blending the plantain, be sure to get it very smooth. This will help prevent lumps and having any grit in your porridge.
  2. You can increase the cinnamon flavor by adding the cinnamon to the water as it boils.
  3. As soon as you add the blended plantain to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low and stir continuously as it cooks to prevent lumps.
  4. As the porridge cools it will thicken.
  5. To reheat, add a little bit of coconut milk, stir and heat on the stove or in the microwave for a minute or two.
  6. I prefer to use lite coconut milk like this one.

Other recipes to try

Check out these other breakfast recipes on my blog like Jerk Style Bacon or Callaloo and Saltfish.

Plantain porridge

Plantain Porridge

Thick and creamy Jamaican breakfast that can be enjoyed all day long.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Sauce pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 green plantain peeled and diced
  • 1 date deseeded
  • 1 ½ cup lite coconut milk divided 1 cup and 1/2 cup
  • 1 ½ cup water
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions
 

  • Add plantain to blender along with the date, 1 cup lite coconut milk, 1/4 tsp salt and ground nutmeg.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Bring 1 1/2 cup water to a boil in a sauce pan.
  • Add blended plantain mixture to boiling water and reduce heat to simmer. Stir continuously.
  • Add cinnamon stick and remaining coconut milk.
  • Simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring continuously.
  • Discard cinnamon stick.
  • Serve drizzled with more coconut milk and ground cinnamon.
Keyword caribbean, caribbean food, jamaican, jamaican food, jamaican recipe, plantain, plantain porridge, plantain recipe, porridge, whole30

Plantain cups

Plantain cups are a great appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. They are really easy to make and require only two ingredients, plantain and coconut oil. Plantains are one of my favorite things to cook. They are so underrated and can be used in many ways like in this recipe.

Plantain cups stuffed with ackee and saltfish.

What are plantains?

Plantains are a part of the banana family. It’s a fruit that is very starchy in nature and must be cooked before eating it. As the fruit matures in ripeness it becomes sweet. Green plantains are green and as they ripen become a dark yellow and can get some black areas on them. While they are believed to be native to Southeast Asia, they are very common in Caribbean and Latin American food.

What are the best fillings for plantain cups?

Anything you want! I like it with ackee and saltfish, but you can use shredded jerk chicken, carnitas, or even shrimp and avocado. The possibilities are endless.

Do you have to pan fry them?

There are many ways to make plantain cups. If you don’t want to do a second fry you can finish them in the oven at 375 for 10-15 minutes. You can also cook them in the air fryer. Spray the plantain chunks with olive oil and air fry at 350 for 5 minutes or until just golden then finish them in the air fryer after molding into cup at the same temperature.

Other recipes to try.

Looking for other plantain recipes? You may like the recipe for Plantain Croutons, Jerk Chicken Caesar or Plantain Hash.

Plantain cups

Plantain Cups

Easy and fast vessel perfect for appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4 servings 2 cups per person

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Lemon/Lime squeezer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Plantains
  • ¼ cup Coconut

Instructions
 

  • Peel plantains and cut each plantain into 4 chunks.
  • Heat skillet on medium heat.
  • Add oil.
  • Once melted and heated add plantains.
  • Turn to ensure all sides get golden.
  • Remove to a paper towel lined plate and allow to cool a bit.
  • Once cooled, place in lemon squeezer and form into cups. repeat until you have 8 plantain cups.
  • Put cups back into oil. baste the inside with some of the oil. After a minute or two, carefully flip cups over.
  • When cups are fully cooked, remove to a paper towel lined plate and salt if needed.
  • Allow to cool for a minute then add filling of choice.

Notes

Let plantain chunks cool before forming into cups so they hold their shape better.
While forming plantain cups, turn the heat off the oil so it doesn’t overheat.
Keyword caribbean, caribbean food, gluten free, grain free, jamaican, jamaican food, plantain, plantain cups, whole30

Jerk Chicken Caesar Salad

Jerk chicken Caesar salad is a Jamaican twist on a classic salad. It’s perfect on hot summer days when you want something delicious and flavorful but not in the mood to do a lot of cooking. Perfect salad to prep ahead for the week as well. This recipe is Paleo, Whole30 compatible and Grain Free.

Jerk chicken Cesar salad with plantain croutons.
Jerk chicken Cesar salad with plantain croutons

Grill vs air fryer?

I think the best flavor will come from the grill. However, an air fryer will work just fine. On hot summer days I don’t want to be outside in the heat and I don’t want to turn on the oven, so the air fryer is a great option. The croutons can also be made in the air fryer. I would recommend making those in the air fryer first then adding the chicken.

What type of plantains should I use for the croutons?

Green plantains are the perfect ones to use to make croutons. If it has a little yellow in it that’s fine. The riper they get the less crispy they will be. I would also recommend cutting them smaller to ensure they get really crispy. Check out the full recipe here.

What greens should I use to make the Jerk Chicken Caesar Salad?

Any sturdy green or lettuce will work for this jerk chicken Caesar salad recipe. I would lean towards the classic hearts of romaine, but it would be great with a radicchio and romaine mix. You could also try using kale. Stay away from more delicate greens like arugula or spinach.

Things to know about making a Jerk Chicken Caesar salad:

  1. To keep the salad from getting too soggy, store the ingredients separately and add together when ready to eat.
  2. I used the Paleo Caesar dressing from Sprouts. It’s also Whole30 compatible.
  3. Save yourself time by using a pre chopped salad greens.
  4. If you don’t have an air fryer or a grill the chicken can be cooked stove top or in the oven. You could even use a toaster oven.
  5. If you want a parmesan cheese look to your salad, feel free to add some nutritional yeast.
Jerk chicken cesar salad with plantain croutons

Jerk Chicken Caesar Salad

A Jamaican take on a classic salad. Whole30, Gluten Free and Paleo.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 2 Mixing bowls
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • Paper towels or Kitchen towels
  • 1 Salad bowl
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken

  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 TBSP All-purpose seasoning
  • 1 TBSP Jerk seasoning
  • 1 TBSP poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 TBSP coconut aminos

Salad

  • 1 10-ounce package Pre chopped hearts of romaine lettuce
  • 1-1.5 TBSP Whole30 compatible Caesar dressing

Plantain Croutons

  • 1 green plantain peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp coconut oil melted
  • 3 TBSP Coconut oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Season chicken by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing to combine.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Preheat large skillet on medium. Once heated add 3 TBSP coconut oil.
  • Combine all remaining ingredients to make croutons (plantain, salt, garlic powder, onion powder. and 1 tsp coconut oil).
  • Add seasoned croutons to oil once hot and cook 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • When air fryer is heated, add chicken and cook for 20 minutes, flip halfway through.
  • Remove croutons when golden (7-10 minutes) and place on a paper towel lined plate.
  • When chicken is done, remove to a cutting board and cut into bite sized pieces. Allow to cool for a few minutes (about 3 minutes).
  • Add romaine lettuce, jerk chicken, croutons and salad dressing to a salad bowl and mix. Add more dressing to your liking.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you are meal prepping, store each component separately in an airtight container.
I used the Paleo Caesar dressing from Sprouts. It’s also Whole30 compatible.
Save yourself time by using a pre chopped salad greens.
If you don’t have an air fryer or a grill the chicken can be cooked stove top or in the oven. You could even use a toaster oven.
If you want a parmesan cheese look to your salad, feel free to add some nutritional yeast.
Keyword cesar salad, dairy free, entree salad, gluten free, grain free, jamaican, jamaican food, jamaican recipe, jerk chicken, jerk chicken cesar salad, lunch, salad, summer salad, weeknight dinner, whole30

Plantain Croutons

Plantain croutons are a great grain and gluten free alternative to regular croutons. Perfect for salads, the base of a hash or a side dish for any meal. They are quick to make and perfect for meal prep.

Plantain croutons
Plantain croutons

What ripeness should I use to make plantain croutons?

The ideal ripeness would be a green plantain. They are starchier, get crispier and will hold up to the salad dressing more. If the plantain has a bit of yellow in it that’s ok, just don’t use yellow or completely ripe plantains. They will not get as crispy as we need in a salad.

Can you make these ahead?

They sure can! They will store up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container. If adding to a salad, then I would recommend reheating them in an air fryer or skillet on medium heat for a few minutes to take the chill off but not get them hot.

Can these croutons be made in the air fryer or oven?

Absolutely. If cooking in an air fryer or oven, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the liner with cooking oil. Cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Cooking them in the air fryer will have a bit of a different texture on the inside but will still be crispy just like cooking them in a skillet.

Things to know about these plantain croutons:

  1. Plantains should not be left unattended. Keep a close eye and stir/shake them frequently as they can go from fine to burned in a second.
  2. If you can, use coconut oil to pan fry these. If you don’t have coconut oil, avocado oil works great.
  3. When cutting the plantain, remember they will shrink as they cook. Cut them slight bigger to compensate for the shrinkage.

What recipes go well with these croutons?

Try eating them with this Jerk Chicken Cesar Salad, Jerk Bacon or use them as a base in this Plantain Hash.

Plantain Croutons

Grain and gluten free alternative to croutons. Perfect in salads, a hash or as a side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 2

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef knife
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 green plantain peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp coconut oil melted
  • 3-4 TBSP coconut oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Add plantain, salt, garlic and onion powder, 1 tsp melted coconut oil to a bowl and mix to combine.
  • Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Once heated, add remaining coconut oil.
  • Once oil is heated, add in seasoned plantain in a flat layer and fry, stirring occasionally.
  • When golden (7-10 minutes) remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  • Serve as desired or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

Green plantains work best but if it has some yellow that’s ok. ⠀
Feel free to leave the seasoning out and 1 tsp oil to make it plain. ⠀
You can also add herbs halfway through cooking.⠀
Plantains shrink a bit while cooking. Keep that in mind when prepping your plantain.
This recipe can be doubled and tripled.
If cooking stovetop, do not leave unattended. Not even for a minute or you may miss your plantains and they burn.
You can enjoy as a snack or side dish.
Keyword air fryer, caribbean, caribbean food, croutons, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, jamaican, jamaican food, jamaican recipe, plantain, plantain recipe, soy free, whole30

Plantain and Carnitas Hash

I’m a bit obsessed with making a hash for breakfast. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and also to use up vegetables that may be going bad. The magic of a hash is that you don’t really need a specific recipe. I usually try to use 2-3 types of root vegetables and a non-starchy vegetables and whatever meat I’ve got to use. I always recommend serving on top of greens and top with green onions. It’s a great way to get greens into your diet.

Plantain and Carnitas Hash

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Microwave
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 plantains diced, any ripeness⠀
  • 1 sweet potato diced ⠀
  • 1 small onion diced⠀
  • 5 big cloves garlic chopped⠀
  • 1 package Trader Joes carnitas⠀
  • 2 TBSP high smoke point oil I used coconut oil
  • 1-2 stalks green onion sliced ⠀
  • 1-2 handful of your favorite greens I used arugula⠀
  • Pinch of salt⠀

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, heat up oil. ⠀
  • Once oil is heated, add onions, potatoes and plantains and cook until everything starts to get a good crust. About 7 minutes. Add more oil if you need to. ⠀
  • In a microwave safe bowl heat up carnitas for 2 minutes. Once heated use two forks to pull the carnitas. You could chop it if you prefer. ⠀
  • Add carnitas and garlic and cook until carnitas is crispy and the veggies have a good color. Stir often enough to not let the garlic burn. Add a salt to taste. ⠀
  • Serve on top of greens and garnish is with green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

If you can't get Trader Joe's carnitas, use any leftover cooked meat like sausage or grilled chicken. If on a Whole30, ensure all meat is compatible.
If plant based, substitute carnitas for tofu. pan free the tofu, remove it and cook recipe as written.
Keyword breakfast hash, gluten free, grain free, hash, plantain, plantain recipe, whole30

Carnitas and Plantain Crisp Nachos

I love nachos. Super easy to make, shareable and can be made from ingredients found in your pantry. I did a little twist on the traditional nacho using plantain chips. ⠀

Carnitas and Plantain Crisp Nachos

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Can opener
  • Fork
  • Sheet pan
  • Bowl
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bags Trader Joe’s plantain crisps⠀
  • 1 package Trader Joe’s pork carnitas ⠀
  • 1 7 oz package shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
  • 1 5 5 oz package goat cheese crumbled⠀
  • 1 4 4 oz can diced green chilies⠀
  • 1 can diced tomatoes ⠀
  • ½ onion diced⠀
  • 2 green onions sliced ⠀
  • I small can black olives⠀
  • 4 radishes cut into matchsticks ⠀
  • 1 avocado diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 460F⠀
  • Cook carnitas in the microwave for 2 minutes. ⠀
  • Once cooked use two forks to pull apart. ⠀
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. ⠀
  • Begin with a layer of plantain crisps, then layer in cheese, carnitas, onions, chilies and tomatoes. Repeat with the second layer. ⠀
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes. ⠀
  • Remove from oven. ⠀
  • Top with green onions, radishes and avocado. Enjoy!
Keyword nachos, plantain, plantain nachos