How To Boil Plantain? Caribbean Style

Plantain was always on the table, especially on Sundays when we had a callaloo, rice, and stew chicken feast.

I remember how my mom would skip the rice but pile her plate with callaloo, stew chicken, and boiled plantain. She always said it was healthier that way.

Whenever their tree bore fruit, our neighbors would share plantains with my mom. We never had to purchase any.

Today, I still love plantain as a side dish, and I’m excited to share this recipe for boiling this delicious fruit the Caribbean way.

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What Is Plantain and Why Is It Healthy?

Plantains are a starchy fruit closely related to bananas. Unlike bananas, they are cooked before eating, making them popular in many Caribbean households.

Plantains are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. They also provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, which give you sustained energy.

Additionally, boiled plantains are lower in fat, making them a healthier option for people watching their calorie intake. Plantains are available in supermarkets, especially in areas with a Caribbean or Latin American population.

If you live near a Caribbean grocery store or farmers’ market, you’ll often find better quality and a wider selection. Look for plantains in different stages of ripeness, depending on how you want to prepare them.

Luckily for me, I have a tree right in my backyard and sometimes I add the green plantain to my soups.

Plantain Vs. Bananas Vs. Green Fig

While plantains and bananas look alike, they are different.

Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas and are cooked before eating. Plantains can be eaten at various stages of ripeness—green, yellow, or black—but are most often used in savory dishes.

Bananas are sweeter and you can eat them raw. They don’t have the same starchy texture as plantains, which makes them less ideal for cooking.

Green fig, a Caribbean term for green banana, is not sweet and is ideal for soups and savory dishes.

In Caribbean cuisine, plantains are used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be fried, boiled, baked, or grilled, while bananas are more commonly enjoyed as a raw snack or used in desserts.

What to Eat with Plantain?

Plantains are a versatile side dish that pairs well with any Caribbean main dish.

Callaloo: A spinach-like dish made from dasheen leaves, often served with plantains.

Stew chicken: Plantains add a perfect balance to the rich, flavorful stew chicken popular in Trinidad.

Rice and peas: Common in Jamaican cuisine, rice and peas are often paired with plantains for a hearty, filling meal.

Saltfish: Salted cod served with plantains is a staple across the Caribbean islands.

Ackee and saltfish: This Jamaican favorite often includes a side of boiled or fried plantains.

How to Boil Plantain: The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 green or ripe plantains
• Water
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

Choose Your Plantain: For boiling, both green and ripe plantains can be used. Green plantains are firmer and have a starchy taste, while ripe plantains are sweeter and softer.

Peel the Plantain: To peel a green plantain, slice off the ends, cut a slit down the length of the skin, and pry it off with a knife or your fingers. For ripe plantains, the peel comes off more easily.

Boil the Water: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt, though many prefer to leave it out to keep the dish naturally sweet.

Cook the Plantain: Cut the plantains into large chunks and place them into the boiling water. Allow them to cook for about 15-20 minutes, depending on how soft you want them. Green plantains may take a little longer than ripe ones.

Check for Doneness: The plantains are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain and Serve: Remove the plantains from the water, drain, and serve as a side dish or snack.

Should You Boil with the Skin On or Off?

You can boil plantains either with or without the skin. Boiling with the skin on helps retain more nutrients and keeps the plantain moist.

However, peeling them beforehand allows the plantain to absorb more flavor from the water or seasonings. It’s really up to you and how you plan to serve them.

Plantain Q & A

Should You Steam vs. Boil Plantain?

Both steaming and boiling are healthy ways to prepare plantain, but they offer slightly different textures:

• Boiling: Gives the plantain a softer texture, especially if using ripe plantains. The water helps the plantain cook through evenly.
• Steaming: Retains more of the plantain’s nutrients and results in a firmer texture. It’s a great option if you prefer your plantain less mushy.

How Long Does Plantain Take to Boil?

On average, plantains take 15-20 minutes to boil, depending on their ripeness and size. Green plantains may require a few extra minutes to soften, while ripe plantains might cook faster due to their higher sugar content.

Do You Add Salt to Boil Plantain?

Adding salt when boiling plantain is optional. Some people add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor, especially when boiling green plantains.

However, when using ripe plantains, it’s more common to skip the salt and enjoy their natural sweetness. My mom always boiled ripe plantains without salt, allowing the fruit’s flavor to shine.

Boiled plantain is a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with many Caribbean meals. Whether you prefer them green and starchy or ripe and sweet, boiling plantains is a quick and nutritious way to enjoy this fruit.