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What To Eat With Plantains? 10 Best Side Dishes

Are you wondering what to eat with plantains?

Look no further: I’ve compiled 10 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with this tropical favorite.

Whether grilled, baked, or fried, plantains are a delicious and nutritious ingredient.

Sure, they’re tasty on their own, but adding an array of flavorsome sides turns them into a complete meal!

From light salads to diverse desserts, these recipes will help you make the most out of your plantain products.

Prepare for your taste buds to be tantalized as we explore some innovative ideas for meals that include plantains!

Fried Ripe Plantains

Why Consider Serving Sides With Plantains?

  • Variety: Serving sides adds variety to the meal, allowing you to offer a wider range of flavors and textures.
  • Balance: Plantains are naturally sweet, so serving them with savory sides helps balance out the sweetness and create a more balanced dish.
  • Nutrients: Adding sides can help increase the nutritional value of your meal by providing additional vitamins and minerals that may not be present in plantains alone.
  • Flavor Combinations: Sides provide an opportunity to experiment with different flavor combinations, such as pairing spicy dishes with sweet plantains or adding herbs for extra depth of flavor.
  • Presentation: Serving sides alongside plantains makes for an attractive presentation that will impress your guests!

What To Eat With Plantains? 10 Best Side Dishes

Plantains are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served with many different types of meals.

To make the most of this versatile food, here are ten tasty side dishes that will complement plantains perfectly:

1. Garlic Sautéed Swiss Chard

Garlic sautéed Swiss chard is like the zesty, flavorful friend you need to make your meal complete.

Its strong, savory flavor goes perfectly with something as sweet and soft as plantains.

Plus, it’s not only delicious but healthy too.

You can really impress your friends with this dish that dazzles both taste buds and nutrition knowledge!

But don’t worry – sautéing vegetables doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes a few minutes of cooking them in some hot oil or butter along with some garlic and herbs for incredible flavor in just a few moments – isn’t that amazing?

So, go ahead and give garlic sautéed Swiss chard a try next time you serve up plantains—you won’t regret it!

2. Creamed Spinach with Parmesan Cheese

Creamed spinach with parmesan cheese is like a match made in heaven for plantains.

It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness or spiciness of whatever preparation you choose for your plantains.

Plus, it’s an easy side dish to make.

You can whip up this deliciousness in no time, and it’ll be the star of any meal you make – whether you’re serving up sweet or savory plantains.

Who knew something so healthy could taste so good?!

Creamed spinach with parmesan cheese is a great way to get your greens without sacrificing flavor.

So skip the sides and try out this dreamy side dish for your next plate of plantains!

3. Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice

You know what they say—good things come in twos.

With Puerto Rican chicken and rice, you are getting two of the best sides that anyone could ask for.

Every bite is a little party in your mouth with tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and fluffy white rice.

Best of all, it tastes amazing when served alongside plantains regardless of how they’re prepared – fried, boiled or mashed!

For extra flavor goodness (and color!), top your Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice with chopped cilantro, bell peppers or onions.

Talk about perfection on a plate!

And if plantain isn’t your thing any kind of starchy vegetable works great too!

So why don’t you make your next meal an unforgettable combination using Puerto Rican Chicken & Rice as the side dish?

You can thank us later…

4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are like a hug from the inside out.

They’re comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to make your plantain dish even better.

Plus, you can get creative with them too!

Add some extra garlic or spices for an extra flavor kick.

Whatever you do, top it off with some chives and butter – because why not?

If creamy mashed potatoes aren’t your thing, no worries!

You can always swap in a lighter alternative like cauliflower mash or potato wedge fries depending on how decadent you want your meal to be.

All I know is that when you pair plantains with any of these side dishes, it’s sure to become one of your favorite meals – every single time!

5. Brazilian Black Beans

If you’re looking for a side dish to balance out the flavors of your plantains, then Brazilian black beans are the perfect accompaniment.

They give your meal just the right amount of savory depth and richness that can make any dish shine.

Plus, they have a unique flavor unlike anything else so you’ll never get bored at mealtime.

And let’s not forget about how easy they are to make!

Just add some onions and garlic along with some spices like cumin and coriander for extra flavor and simmer until everything is cooked through.

It’s almost like having a party in your kitchen every time you make it!

Plus, these super satisfying beans will energize you throughout the day, making them an ideal sidekick for all of your plantain-based creations.

6. Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas

When you pair plantains with authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to the Caribbean!

This traditional side dish is made with white rice cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with herbs, spices, scallions, garlic and thyme.

It’s a savory mix of flavors that pairs perfectly with whatever type of plantains you have on your plate.

Plus, if you want to make the flavor even better (which I can guarantee you will!), add plenty of fresh pepper to really kick it up a notch.

And if there are any leftovers?

Don’t worry – they taste just as delicious reheated the next day!

7. Corn Pudding

If you’re looking for a sidekick that won’t overshadow the great flavors of your plantains, look no further than corn pudding. Its creamy goodness is like manna from heaven and adds a wonderful depth to any dish.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s simple to make!

Just throw all the ingredients together in one bowl and bake–it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

And if you want an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper.

The spice will bring out the sweetness in the plantains while still allowing them to remain the star of the show!

So go ahead, give corn pudding a try – there’s no better way to satisfy your love for savory and sweet without overpowering either flavor profile.

8. Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes

Garlic roasted broccoli and tomatoes is a side dish that’ll make your taste buds do the mamba.

It’s like an intensely flavorful fiesta in your mouth with every bite!

Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make.

Throw some broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil into a roasting pan (perhaps even alongside some plantains), let it all cook together in the oven for 10-15 minutes, and you have an incredibly tasty side-dish that pairs perfectly with whatever seafood or plantains you have on the menu for dinner.

If you’re feeling particularly fancy one night, try drizzling some balsamic vinegar over your broccoli and tomato mixture before serving – it will take this classic comfort side dish up to new heights of deliciousness.

Bon appetit!

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are like little flavor bombs waiting to burst!

They’re incredibly easy to make and you can stuff them with whatever mix of ingredients you want.

Plus, they taste amazing no matter how you have your plantains prepared.

Whether it’s fried or boiled, the sweetness of the plantain pairs perfectly with the savory stuffing in your peppers for a meal that packs a real punch.

And let’s not forget about all the healthy benefits! Stuffed bell peppers are loaded with vitamins and minerals, helping you get all those nutrients in without feeling deprived.

So go ahead and treat yourself to something delicious today—stuffed bell peppers with some savory plantains is sure to hit the spot!

10. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is like a tropical holiday for your taste buds!

With all the sweet, juicy flavors coming together in one bowl, you’re in for a real treat.

Plus, it’s so simple to make that you can whip it up with whatever fruit you have at home – apples, mangoes, oranges – whatever tickles your fancy.

And if you want to get super creative (which we recommend!), try adding some shredded coconut or a squeeze of lime juice to really bring out the flavor.

And no matter how you prepare the plantains (whether they’re fried or baked), pairing them with a fresh fruit salad is an easy way to lighten up the meal without sacrificing any flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plantains are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.

But what to eat with plantains?

The best side dishes to go with plantains are garlic sautéed Swiss chard, creamed spinach with parmesan cheese, Puerto Rican chicken and rice, creamy mashed potatoes, Brazilian black beans, rice and peas, corn pudding, roasted broccoli and tomatoes, stuffed bell peppers, and fruit salad.

These options provide a wide range of flavors and textures that will complement the sweetness of plantains and provide a delicious and nutritious meal.

Fried Ripe Plantains

What To Eat With Plantains (10 Best Sides)

Knowing what to eat with plantains can be tricky, so I'm here to help! In this article, I'm sharing 10 of my favorite sides that pair perfectly with plantains. From grilled vegetables to a creamy dip, each of these dishes will complement the sweet and savory flavor of plantains and add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic Sautéed Swiss Chard
  • Creamed Spinach with Parmesan Cheese
  • Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Brazilian Black Beans
  • Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas
  • Corn Pudding
  • Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Fruit Salad

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
  • Organize your ingredients and utensils.
  • Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
  • Prepare and serve for delicious meal!
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.