Plantain Croutons are a healthy alternative to traditional bread croutons. They can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, or any other dish where you would typically use bread croutons.
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Check out my Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros) and my Healthy Oatmeal Bites for some great snack ideas.
If you are a tostones lover, you'll definitely want to give these plantain croutons a try. They are very similar, only cut into small cubes and even crunchier. It doesn't get easier than 3 ingredients - a little oil, salt, and of course the plantains!
Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They are a delicious and healthy way to add some crunch to your meals while also boosting their nutritional value.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier alternative. They are a healthier alternative to bread croutons. They are gluten free, paleo friendly, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Versatility. They are versatile and can be used as a topping for salads, soups, or any other dish where you would typically use bread croutons.
- Delicious. They are delicious and have a unique flavor that adds an extra dimension to your meals.
- Budget-friendly. Plantains are a budget-friendly ingredient that is widely available, making this recipe an affordable way to add some variety to your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is perfect for frying these plantains.
- Plantains: These need to be green, and not ripe. The riper the plantains the softer they are. To make these croutons you won't want the plantains to be soft.
- Salt: Optional, but a little salt really brings out the flavor of the plantain.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the diced plantains to the skillet. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croutons to a paper towel lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with salt while the plantains are still hot.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Recipe Tips
- Choose the right plantains. Green plantains work best for making these croutons as they have a firmer texture and less sweetness than ripe plantains.
- Cut the plantains evenly. To ensure that your croutons cook evenly, try to cut the plantains into small, uniform pieces.
- Use enough oil. Make sure to use enough avocado oil to coat the plantains evenly. This will help them crisp up nicely and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Let them cool. Once the croutons are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them become crispier and easier to handle.
Variations
- Sweet Plantain Croutons: If you prefer a sweeter version of plantain croutons, use ripe plantains instead of green ones. Toss the plantains in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking or pan-frying them for a sweet and crunchy treat.
- Spicy Plantain Croutons: For a spicy kick, season the plantains with chili powder or cayenne pepper before cooking. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for even more heat.
- Herbed Plantain Croutons: Add a burst of freshness to your plantain croutons by tossing them with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley before cooking.
- Cheesy Plantain Croutons: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the plantain croutons before baking or pan-frying them for a cheesy twist.
- Curry Plantain Croutons: Mix curry powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl. Toss the diced plantains in the spice mixture and then bake or pan-fry them for a unique and delicious twist.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Plantain croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It's important to let the croutons cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezing: If you want to keep the plantain croutons for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To do so, spread the cooled croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the croutons to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer.
Reheating: When you're ready to use the frozen plantain croutons, reheat them in the oven at 350 ℉ for 5-10 minutes until they are crisp and heated through.
FAQ
While green plantains are traditionally used for making croutons, you can use ripe plantains for a sweeter version. Keep in mind that ripe plantains have a softer texture and may not crisp up as well as green plantains.
Yes, you can bake plantain croutons instead of frying them for a healthier option. Toss the diced plantains in oil and seasonings, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 400 ℉ for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Yes, you can use a different type of oil to fry the plantain croutons, such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. However, avocado oil is a good choice as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Plantain croutons can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and even as a crunchy topping for mashed or roasted vegetables. They add a unique texture and flavor to any dish!
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Plantain Croutons
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 green plantains peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced plantains to the skillet. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croutons to a paper towel lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with salt while the plantains are still hot.
Notes
- Green plantains work best for making these croutons as they have a firmer texture and less sweetness than ripe plantains.
- To ensure that your croutons cook evenly, try to cut the plantains into small, uniform pieces.
- Make sure to use enough avocado oil to coat the plantains evenly. This will help them crisp up nicely and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Once the croutons are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them become crispier and easier to handle.
- Storing: Plantain croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It's important to let the croutons cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the plantain croutons for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To do so, spread the cooled croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the croutons to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you're ready to use the frozen plantain croutons, reheat them in the oven at 350 ℉ for 5-10 minutes until they are crisp and heated through.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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