Description
This recipe features deliciously sweet and savory baked plantains paired with a creamy, tangy avocado dip. The plantains are sliced, lightly oiled, and baked until golden and caramelized, then seasoned with a blend of spices. The avocado dip is a refreshing combination of ripe avocado, lime juice, spices, and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect healthy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Baked Plantains
- 2 ripe plantains (mostly yellow with black spots)
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon adobo seasoning (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Optional additions: dried herbs, nutritional yeast, onion powder, fresh chopped herbs, lime zest
Avocado Dip
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small lime, juiced (or ½ large lime)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the plantains.
- Prepare Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss the slices with olive oil and a pinch of salt to coat evenly.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the plantain slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake Plantains: Bake the plantains for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even caramelization. They should be golden and lightly caramelized when done.
- Season Plantains: If you did not add the spices before baking, sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, adobo seasoning, chili powder, and any optional additions over the plantains now. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Make Avocado Dip: In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados. Add lime juice, salt, chili powder, chopped cilantro, finely minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the avocado dip and adjust the lime juice or salt as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve the warm baked plantains with the fresh avocado dip immediately, or cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent browning if you plan to serve later.
Notes
- Adding spices after baking prevents them from burning but you can add them before baking for a stronger flavor.
- Use ripe plantains with black spots for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Cover avocado dip tightly with plastic wrap to minimize browning if not serving immediately.
- Optional additions like nutritional yeast or lime zest can add extra flavor to the plantains.
- This dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
