Mashed Sweet Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-07 · Updated 2026-07-07

Soft mashed sweet plantains blended with sautéed garlic and fresh cilantro for a fragrant and creamy side dish. This Caribbean-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs ripe plantains, olive oil, garlic cloves 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Drain the plantains well and transfer them to a large bowl.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, then serve warm as a flavorful side.