Discover delicious African & Caribbean recipes you can try today.
Plantains are a beloved staple across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and for good reason—they’re versatile, filling, and absolutely delicious. Unlike bananas, plantains are starchier and can be enjoyed at every stage of ripeness, from green to yellow to fully black.
At LilBea Foods, we bring you fresh, high-quality plantains so you can recreate traditional recipes or try something new. Here are five amazing ways to enjoy plantains, from quick snacks to satisfying main courses.
1. Fried Plantain (Dodo/Kelewele) – The Classic Snack
Fried plantains are a favourite in Nigeria, Ghana, and the Caribbean.
- Slice ripe plantains into rounds or diagonals.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Serve as a side dish with rice and beans, grilled meat, or enjoy as a simple snack.
Ghana’s Kelewele version adds ginger, chili, and spices for extra flavour!
2. Baked Plantain Chips – A Healthy Snack Alternative
If you’re craving something crunchy, try baked plantain chips.
- Slice green plantains thinly.
- Toss with olive oil and salt.
- Bake until crispy.
They’re perfect as a guilt-free snack or for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or hummus.
3. Plantain Fufu (Swallow Dish) – A Staple Main Course
In many African households, plantain is turned into fufu, a dough-like dish served with soups and stews.
- Boil green plantains.
- Pound or blend into a smooth, stretchy dough.
- Serve with Egusi soup, Okra soup, or Groundnut stew.
It’s filling, nutritious, and deeply rooted in tradition.
4. Stuffed Plantains – A Hearty Meal
Ripe plantains can be baked and stuffed with savoury fillings.
- Cut ripe plantains lengthwise, bake until soft.
- Fill with minced beef, beans, or vegetables.
- Top with cheese or spices, and bake again.
This dish is popular in Latin America but loved across the world for its sweet-and-savoury balance.
5. Plantain Curry – A Comforting Fusion Dish
Plantains also shine in curries and stews.
- Add ripe plantain chunks to a pot with coconut milk, curry powder, onions, and peppers.
- Simmer until tender and creamy.
This Caribbean-Asian fusion dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or flatbread.
Why Plantains Deserve a Place in Every Kitchen
- Versatile: From savoury meals to sweet snacks.
- Nutritious: Rich in fibre, potassium, and vitamins.
- Cultural Staple: Loved across African, Caribbean, and Latin cuisines.
At LilBea Foods, we deliver fresh plantains across the UK so you can enjoy these timeless recipes at home.
Shop Fresh Plantains Online at LilBea Foods
Bring the taste of Africa and the Caribbean to your kitchen. Whether fried, baked, or stewed, plantains are a must-have ingredient.
👉 Order plantains today from LilBea Foods – UK’s trusted African & Caribbean grocery store.
