Boiled Ripe Plantain: An Easy Jamaican Side Dish

Boiled plantain is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a recipe. It makes a nutritious and filling breakfast but is also a great option for lunch or dinner. Boiled plantains are a great way to add variety and nutrition to your diet. So why not take your taste buds on a journey and discover the many benefits of boiled plantains today?

What is boiled plantain

Boiled plantain is a dish made by boiling the plantain in water until tender and soft. Boiled plantain can be cooked using ripe or unripe plantain for your recipes or dish. The plantains can be boiled with or without their skin, depending on personal preference. If you decide to have boiled green plantains, it will be more difficult to peel them before it is cooked.

Boiled plantains will take about 15 to 30 minutes to cook, depending on their ripeness and size. When the plantains are done, they will turn a deep yellow colour. Boiled plantain is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also low in calories. They are a healthy alternative to starchy foods like potatoes and rice. Boiled plantain is also a quick and easy option that only requires a few steps and ingredients.

Boiled ripe plantain ingredients

To cook boiled plantain, Jamaican-style, the recipe will use the following ingredients:

• Ripe Plantain: Plantain should be yellow and can have black spots on the skin. It should be firm yet slightly soft. Ripe plantains last up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge.

• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the flavour of the plantain.

• Water: Use enough water to completely cover the plantains while boiling.

How to boil plantain Jamaican-style

1. Prepare plantains: Rinse the plantains under cold water to remove any dirt and then cut them into large chunks.

2. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

3. Add Plantain: Carefully add the plantain chunks to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium and let the plantains simmer until they are tender. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how ripe the plantains are. To check if the plantain is cooked and ready, insert a fork into a piece of it. The fork should be able to go through easily, but the plantain should be soft but not mushy.

4. Remove Plantain: After the plantains are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes.

4. Peel and Serve: Use your fingers or a small knife to make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain. Gently peel back the skin, starting from the slit you made, and continue to peel it away from the flesh. The skin should come off easily.

To boil green plantains Jamaican style, replace ripe plantains with green ones and follow the same instructions mentioned above.

What to eat with boiled plantains

Boiled plantain can be paired with any main course, such as meat, fish and beans. In Jamaica, boiled plantains are served with ackee and saltfish, callaloo, brown stew chicken, or any other Jamaican dish.

Boiled plantains can also be eaten with toppings like butter, cheese or sour cream.

You can even enjoy your boiled plantain as a salad.  This is made by tossing boiled plantain slices with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, cheese, and a dressing of your choice. You can add some cooked chicken, tuna, or ham for extra protein.

Also come find me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for recipe updates and occasional kitchen tips and tricks!