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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
