Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet pan-fried ripe plantains paired with a savory refried black bean spread seasoned with Guatemalan spices for a satisfying snack or side. This latin american-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends small, finely chopped white onion, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 3 ripe plantains and slice on the diagonal into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry plantain slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 small finely chopped white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Step 5: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans in the skillet to create a thick refried spread. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve the warm refried black bean spread alongside the pan-fried plantains for dipping or topping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread?

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 Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread 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.

Is Pan-Fried Plantains with Guatemalan Black Bean Refried Spread vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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