Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado

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

Golden sautéed plantains paired with smoky spiced black beans and creamy avocado slices make a vibrant and satisfying Latin American side or light meal. This Italian recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs ripe plantains, olive oil, black beans (canned, drained) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel the 2 medium ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the plantain slices in a single layer. Sauté for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup drained black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and fragrant, seasoning with salt to taste.
  3. Step 3: Slice 1 medium ripe avocado and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to prevent browning.
  4. Step 4: To serve, place the sautéed plantains on a plate, top with the spiced black beans, and garnish with avocado slices and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado?

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 ripe plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado?

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 Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Plantains with Spiced Black Beans and Avocado 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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