Plantain Recipes - African, Haitian, and Medicinal

A Haitian Fried Plantain Recipe Video

While a team of us were in Vignier, Haiti, we were well looked after at the work site each day. With the help of some family and young girls in the community, our hostess served us delicious lunches.

I took the opportunity to video them in the kitchen one morning, while they were preparing the meal for that particular day. Have a look!

This Haitian fried plantain was prepared slightly different than the African version.

To review:

Ingredients

• cooking oil
• salt water
• peeled plantain - about one per person

Method

• cut the plantain into slices
• fry in hot oil
• dip them in salted water
• return to the hot oil and fry them again, until golden brown

Baked Plantain

This is a 'western' version of plantain, without the extra calories from the more traditional recipe fried in oil.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• Plantain, peeled and ends cut off

Method

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
• Coat nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray
• Cut each plantain diagonally into 1/2" slices
• Arrange in single layer and spray with cooking oil spray
• Bake for 15 minutes - or less - turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown.

Plantain for Medicinal Uses

There are many medicinal uses for plantain, and we've included some herbal plantain recipes for you as well. These are suggestions for your enjoyment only. We are not making any medical claims by sharing them with you.

Herbal Plantain Tea

This medicinal herb tea would be used for colds and flu.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry or fresh whole plantain (root, leaves, and seed)
• 1 cup boiling water

Method

• Put plantain in the boiling water
• Steep about 10 minutes
• Strain and sweeten to taste
• Drink throughout the day

Healing Plantain Salve

Ingredients

• 1 lb chopped plantain plant - use entire plant
• 1 cup lard

Method

• Cook the plantain and lard down, until mushy and green
• Strain while still hot, then let it cool
• Use on burns, insect bites, sores and rashes. Also used as a facial night cream for wrinkles.

Healthy Plantain Bananas

As you can see, plantain has numerous uses in both the kitchen and for herbal remedies.

The fruit itself is low in fat, and high in starch and dietary fiber. It's also low in cholesterol and salt, is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C. The plantain leaves, when cooked properly, are known to be good for treating diabetes.

TOP of Plantain Recipes
HOME to Helping Children Around The World