Zanzibar-Inspired Coconut Curry with Plantains

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

Creamy curry made with fresh plantains and coconut milk, featuring spices common in Zanzibar's coastal cuisine. This East African-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs ripe plantains, coconut milk, chicken breast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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

• 2 medium, sliced 1/4 inch thick ripe plantains
• 1 can (13.5 oz), full fat coconut milk
• 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in curry powder and turmeric, cooking for 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
4. Step 4: Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, add sliced plantains, and simmer for 10 minutes until plantains are tender and slightly translucent.
6. Step 6: Stir in lime juice and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Simmer uncovered for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.