Caribbean Creamed Plantains

Caribbean Creamed Plantains, a delightful culinary journey through the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean, beckons with its exquisite flavors and tropical charm. This sumptuous dish starts with the careful selection of ripe yellow plantains, adorned with alluring black spots that promise a burst of sweetness. As you embark on the creation of this Caribbean inspired delight, you’ll discover the secrets to crafting a creamy plantain puree that will transport your taste buds to pure paradise.

The journey commences with the preparation of the plantains. To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, choose yellow plantains displaying those telltale signs of ripeness; black spots on their skin. These spots indicate ripeness, ensuring that your dish will be sweet and delectable. With care, peel the plantains by trimming off their ends and making a shallow slit along the length of the skin. Gently remove the skin to reveal the golden treasure within. Now, with your plantains beautifully exposed, cut them into manageable 2-3 inch chunks. The stage is set, and the transformation of humble plantains into a delicacy has begun.

A symphony of flavors awaits as you move on to boiling the plantains. In a spacious pot, bring water to a lively boil and add a tablespoon of salt, introducing the first layer of seasoning that will enhance the plantains’ natural sweetness. As the water dances with anticipation, carefully introduce the plantain chunks to the bath of bubbling liquid. Allow them to simmer in this tropical spa for a span of 10-15 minutes, or until they tenderly yield to the gentle prodding of a fork. Here, amid the rising steam, the plantains undergo a metamorphosis, transitioning into a state of blissful softness, ready to embrace the forthcoming flavors.

At the core of Caribbean Creamed Plantains lies the relaxing process of mashing the boiled plantains. After draining them from their bath, gently transfer the softened plantains to a generously sized mixing bowl. Armed with a humble potato masher or a trusty fork, these unassuming tools are your companions on this culinary journey. With careful finesse, the plantains yield gracefully to your gentle guidance. To enhance the dish’s velvety texture, infuse it with 1/4 cup of creamy coconut milk, a luxurious touch from the tropics. This infusion transforms the plantains into a harmonious canvas where flavors meld seamlessly.

Yet, the journey is far from complete. The addition of 2 tablespoons of butter adds a touch of decadence, its richness merging harmoniously with the plantains. This union creates a velvety concoction that transcends the ordinary, a testament to the culinary treasures of the Caribbean. Each spoonful, laden with buttery allure, promises a taste of paradise.

The crescendo arrives with the infusion of chopped green onions, their vibrant hue adding freshness and depth to the dish. Here, the flavors of the islands shine through, as the gentle pungency of the green onions elevates the sweetness of the plantains. With each passing moment, your creation evolves into a masterpiece ready to be savored.

Seasoning, the final note in this symphony of flavors, is a personal touch. A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of ground black pepper allow you to tailor the dish to your palate’s desire. Balance is key, as you find the sweet spot where saltiness and spice enhance the natural sweetness of the plantains.

With each spoonful, Caribbean Creamed Plantains unveil a tapestry of flavors that captivate the senses. This versatile side dish complements a variety of main courses, serving as a delightful accompaniment to dishes like Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa. As you savor this culinary masterpiece, you’ll find yourself transported to the enchanting islands of the Caribbean, where the sun meets the sea and every bite tells a story of tropical bliss.

Caribbean Creamed Plantains

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: SidesCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Caribbean Creamed Plantains are a harmonious blend of ripe plantains, creamy coconut milk, butter, and aromatic green onions, offering a taste of the tropics in each velvety spoonful.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe yellow plantains

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 green onions, chopped

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Plantains:
  Select ripe yellow plantains with some black spots on the skin. Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow slit along the length of the skin. Gently peel off the skin, and cut the peeled plantains into 2-3 inch chunks.
• Boil the Plantains:
  In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and add a tablespoon of salt. Carefully add the plantain chunks to the boiling water and cook them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
• Mash the Plantains:
  Drain the boiled plantains and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the plantains until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the mashed plantains and continue mashing to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the mixture and continue to mash and mix until the butter is fully incorporated.
• Season:
  Mix in the chopped green onion. Season the mashed plantains with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve:
  Garnish the mashed plantains with extra chopped green onions for added flavor and color. This pairs well with a variety of dishes, like Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa.