A Deliciously Tasty Plantain Soup Recipe
Plantains are part of the banana family, but they are not usually eaten raw. This delightful fruit is a staple in the diets of people around the globe. If you’ve ever been to anywhere in Asia, South America, Africa, or the Caribbean, chances are you saw plantains on the menu.
Like the banana, plantains are full of nutrients and are filling. They can be eaten on their own, or to compliment a variety of dishes. Including this deliciously tasty, sopa de plantano or plantain soup.
A Deliciously Tasty Plantain Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 of chopped carrots
- 1 rib of celery, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced finely
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 2 large green plantains
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- salt
- cilantro, chopped
- plantain chips
- lime wedges
Plantain Prep
- Cut off each end of each plantain.
- Run a knife down the length of the plantain to slit it open and remove the skin.
- Cut them into 1/2 inch squares.
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot. When it’s hot, add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring.
- Add the garlic and cumin, then cook for 1 minute, while stirring.
- Add in the plantain and mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir.
- Raise the heat to a high flame and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently. The soup will be done when the plantains break apart with a big spoon.
- Remove and throw away the bay leaf.
- Taste test to determine if salt is needed.
- Mix the soup with an immersion blender or hand mixer. But leave it a bit chunky.
- Sprinkle the cilantro, plantain chips, and spritz some lime juice on top.
Nutritional Information
- calories: 219
- carbohydrates: 37 grams
- protein: 4 grams
- fat: 8 grams
- sodium: 1326 milligrams
- potassium: 906 milligrams
- fiber: 4 grams
- sugar: 16 grams
- vitamin A: 6399 IU
- vitamin C: 46 milligrams
- calcium: 49 milligrams
- iron: 2 milligrams
How Do You Pick A Ripe Plantain?
Plantains come in 3 different stages; green, yellow, and black. Believe it or not, they are perfectly edible during all three color stages.
- Green: at this stage the fruit is firm inside and a bit yellow. These are great for frying or making chips
- Yellow: these are sweeter than green and great with meat dishes
- Black: the sweetest of them all. It makes for tasty soups and stews.
Again, do not be afraid of the blackened plantain. It’s not the same as a black banana. The only drawback is they may be a bit messy during preparation.Unfortunately, most supermarkets only sell green plantains. This means you’ll need to let them ripen on the counter for a few days to a week, if you want them sweeter. If you need ripe plantains immediately, visit an Asian or Latin market.What Goes Well With Plantain Soup?
Plaintain soup is delicious, yet has a simple enough flavor palate that it can be paired with just about anything. But these dishes are guaranteed to add tasty layers to your soup.
1. Rice And Peas
This Caribbean dish is sure to delight when paired with plantain soup. The white rice, pigeon pea, and garlic mixture is easy to make as well.
2. Black Beans
Another easy side dish for your soup. Just add some garlic, onion, and cilantro and you’re good to go.
3. Sautéed Swiss Chard
These leafy greens are super healthy and will add some tang to your meal.
4. Hummus And Pita Chips
If you just want to keep it simple, a nice garlic hummus and some homemade pita chips are the perfect choice.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This is a great choice if you’re looking for the same sweet flavor as the soup. Add some olive oil and garlic and you have a filling, delightful meal.
6. Shrimp
Honestly, it doesn’t matter how you prepare it, any type of shrimp goes great with this soup. So feel free to fry, boil, sauté, or make a cocktail. The choice is yours.
7. Grilled Steak
Plantains are fabulous with beef. They are served as chips or medallions with steak in Spanish restaurants. So there’s no reason why you can’t serve a steak with your soup.
8. Garlic Bread
If you want to keep the plantain soup as the main attraction, a nice garlic bread is a filling choice.
What Is The Best Way To Store Plantain Soup?
Plantain soup can be stored in either the refrigerator or the freezer. When storing in the fridge, it’s important to let the soup cook first. Then, pour into an airtight container. The soup will stay at its best flavor for 3-4 days.
If you need to freeze the soup, it’s best to put it in a glass container that has a lid. This way, it will not take on other flavors. The soup will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What Are Some Other Ways To Use Plantains?
Plantains are delicious and healthy. Once you’re done with the fabulous soup, try some of these other plantain recipes.
- fried plantains (green ones are best for this)
- sauteed plantains (black ones are best)
- plantain tarts
- plantain chips (green)
- mofongo (herb filled mash)
- pastelon (shepherd’s pie)
- jibarto (sandwich)
- plantain salsa
- fufu (mashed together with cassava)
- grilled plantains
- plantain fritters
- plantain bread
- homemade plantain tortillas
- plantain porridge
Here are Some Fun Plantain Facts
- In many cultures, plantains are made into a paste to help with burns, dermatitis, insect bites, and stings.
- Plantains can be dried and ground into flour.
- In India, plantains are boiled with milk to make baby food.
- Plantain leaves are very large and are used as plates or to wrap food in many cultures.
- In Africa, plantains make up 25% of the total carbs people consume.
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