Plantains bring out the sweetness in Latin cuisine: a foundation for amazing innovation and culinary mash ups that are trending.
A member of the banana family, these starchy fruits are often used more like vegetables—prepared as a savory dish with oil and salt, around a plate with chicken or beef dishes. Datassential says they ran above average for future growth and 73 percent of consumers know of plantains; but how can you innovate with them?
No Bread, No Problem
Hold the bread, please—using plantains in lieu of a bun makes for a tasty sandwich, called a jibarito (hee-bah-REE-toe). Flattened, fried plantains take their place on the outside of the sandwich, usually filled with mayonnaise, meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Consider fried chicken and sriracha aioli on the inside for a tangy twist.
Try Twice Fried
When twice fried, plantains are called tostones (toast-oh-nays). Plantains are cut and peeled, pounded flat, and salted much like potato chips. Tostones are a staple side in Latin cuisine and are extremely versatile—try with shredded beef atop a crispy crumble; dipped in a spicy sauce; or scooping up black beans and rice.
Bowl It
Savory bowls are trending; plantains are the perfect opportunity to add Latin flare. Start a bowl with rice or quinoa and beans; then make plantains the star. Crispy, carmelized plantains tossed in coconut oil and sea salt can take center stage; make it your own with a fruit salsa, avocado, chorizo—the sky (or the edge of the bowl) is the limit.
Your Sourcing Solution
Dot Foods is your sample solution for plantains and tostones. Sample today to develop a vision for how to use this versatile fruit for your Latin creations. Just imagine the possibilities.
Explore plaintain products on our website.