Plantain is really a go-to vegetable for Indians–especially if you know them more as raw bananas or green bananas. This is season-independent and people love to have plantain in various forms. Apart from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia are just a few of the tropical regions where plantains are a common food. Their versatility as ingredients for both sweet and savoury meals is the reason for their popularity. Plantains are delicious, but they have several health advantages as well.
Rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamins A and C, are complex carbs. Better digestion, sharper vision, and stronger muscles are all facilitated by these nutrients. Plantains are also high in dietary fibre, which helps prevent constipation. Health-conscious folks should try them because they are high in nutrients and low in fat.
Here comes a list of nutritious dishes that you can try out of plantains throughout the year.
8 Sweet And Savoury Plantain Dishes
1. Fried Plantains
Many people love the standard dish of fried plantains. Plantains that are fully ripe are cut up and fried until they turn golden brown. The sweetness of the plantains comes out in this dish, which is easy to make. Fried plantains are a tasty treat that goes well with any meal or as a snack.
2. Bengali-Style Plantain Kofta Curry
Plantain Kofta Curry is a vegetarian dish where plantain and potato balls are spiced and fried. These koftas are then simmered in a rich, flavourful gravy made with panch phoran, yogurt, and spices. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect with rice or roti.
3. Sautéed Sweet Plantains
Sautéed sweet plantains are a popular side dish in South American and Caribbean cuisines. Ripe plantains are sautéed with butter and brown sugar until caramelised. This dish adds a sweet note to any meal and is often enjoyed alongside savoury dishes.
4. Plantain Egg Rolls
Turon, plantain egg rolls, are a popular Filipino treat. Sugar is put on pieces of plantain, then rolled up in spring roll wrappers and fried until golden brown. This food is great for people who like different textures because the plantains are soft, and the wrapper is crunchy.
5. Green Plantain Bhaji
Green Plantain Bhaji is a savoury dish where plantain slices are coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried. This dish is similar to fritters and is often served as a snack or appetizer. The spices used in the batter add a delightful kick to the mild flavour of the green plantains.
6. Achinga Kaya Mezhukkupuratti
Achinga Kaya Mezhukkupuratti is a quick and easy stir-fry from Kerala. Raw plantains and green beans are cooked with turmeric and spices, then sautéed with mustard seeds and curry leaves. This dish is typically served with rice and sambar, making it a wholesome meal.
7. Plantain Peel and Cowpeas Stir Fry
Raw plantain peels are stir-fried with onions, boiled cowpeas, and grated coconut in this one-of-a-kind meal. This dish shows how clever people can be when they cook by using every part of the plantain to make a tasty and healthy meal.
8. Kela Upkari
Kela Upkari is a South Indian stir-fry featuring raw plantains, grated coconut, and spices. The dish is quick to prepare and pairs well with dal and rice. The coconut adds a sweet touch to the mildly spiced plantains, making it a favourite in many households.
Plantains are very flexible and can be used in a lot of different sweet and savoury recipes. Plantains have a lot of different tastes. You can eat them fried or in a Bengali Kofta Curry, which is more complicated. The fact that they are healthy makes them even more appealing, making them a great choice for meals.