You can make various entrees, side dishes, desserts, and snacks with green plantains. Side dishes include deep-fried cheese filled green plantains, and shredded plantain patties. Both of these side dishes may be served in place of potatoes or rice. Plantain chips are a good alternative to potato chips and can be deep fried for a crispy texture. Plantain pie may be topped with whipped cream and served as a dessert.
If you enjoy seafood, you can combine shrimp with green plantains. As an alternative to shrimp scampi, consider a main entree called mofongo with shrimp. This dish is prepared with fried green plantains that have been mashed and filled with baby shrimp. To add flavor, chicken bouillon cubes, as well as onion, garlic, herbs, and spices may be used. You can find various recipes for this dish by searching the Internet.
You can also combine pork, beef, or chicken with green plantains for a main entree. Try chicken and pork plantain stew, which can be prepared in a traditional oven or a microwave. If you prefer, add red potatoes to the stew. This recipe is typically prepared in a large casserole dish. Alternatively, you can prepare chicken and pork plantain stew in a slow cooker.
For entertaining, consider serving green plantain chips with a dipping sauce. For this recipe, you'll need several large green plantains and olive oil to deep fry them in. Serve the chips with avocado or spinach dip.
If you are bored with rice or potatoes as a side dish, try mashed plantains with salt, pepper, bacon, and onion. You can use bacon or ready-to-eat bacon bits. Peeled green plantains may take up to 25 minutes to cook. For added flavor and texture, garnish the mashed plantains with cilantro or fresh parsley.
Another alternative to potatoes are green plantain fries. These are similar in appearance to potato wedges, with a distinctive flavor. Green plantain fries are healthier than traditional fries, and may be served as a tasty side with hamburgers or hot dogs. Plantain fries are relatively easy to make and simple recipes for this dish can be found online. For another side dish idea, try making green plantain fritters with shredded plantains and onion.
Smoothies made with green plantains make refreshing and nutritional drinks. In a blender, mix a large green plantain, milk, yogurt, and sugar. Other fruits may also be added, such as strawberries or blueberries.