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A simple and comforting Haitian side dish featuring ripe plantains boiled with garlic and onion, offering a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe plantains (about 1 lb)
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 4 cups water
  • Optional: olive oil or butter for sautéing and finishing

Instructions

  1. Trim both ends of each plantain and make a shallow lengthwise slit, then peel the skins carefully without mashing the fruit.
  2. Optional: cut peeled plantains into halves or large chunks to reduce boil time.
  3. Place a large pot on high heat and bring enough water to a rolling boil to fully cover the plantains.
  4. While the water heats, chop the garlic and thinly slice the onion.
  5. Optional: sauté the chopped garlic and sliced onion in a little olive oil until fragrant to deepen their flavor.
  6. Add the peeled plantains, garlic, onion, and salt to the boiling water and stir gently to combine.
  7. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, checking until plantains are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
  8. Carefully drain the water, transfer the plantains to a dish, and taste; add more salt if needed.
  9. Optional: drizzle with olive oil or butter before serving.

Notes

Choose yellow plantains with black spots for ideal sweetness and texture., Avoid very green plantains (starchy) or very dark black plantains (mushy)., Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture; check fork tenderness often during simmering., Sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil before boiling enhances aroma and flavor., Season in layers: salt the cooking water, then adjust seasoning after draining., Serve as a side with grilled meats, fish, stews, or as a snack., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days., Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture instead of microwaving.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Haitian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: approximately 180 calories per serving
  • Fat: 1 gram per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams per serving
  • Protein: 2 grams per serving