Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro
Soft mashed sweet plantains blended with sautéed garlic and fresh cilantro for a fragrant and creamy side dish. This caribbean-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, peeled and chopped ripe plantains
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 medium peeled and chopped ripe plantains in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the plantains well and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Step 4: Pour the garlic oil over the drained plantains, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then mash everything together with a potato masher or fork until creamy and slightly chunky.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, then serve warm as a flavorful side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro?
Caribbean quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
