Can i substitute plantains for bananas

They're plantains, banana's starchy cousin that is popular across much of Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. But what's the difference between bananas and plantains? While they do have a lot in common, these two tropical fruits are not the same.

Did you know that a banana is actually an herb? Yet also a fruit It's a fruit, as it contains the seeds of the plant. Although, commercially grown bananas are mostly sterile, making the seeds appear as just small, black specks in the fruit.

But even though the banana plant is commonly referred to as a "banana tree," it's technically an herbaceous plant, because the stem has no woody tissue. This means a banana can also be considered an herb. Whether or not you refer to it as a fruit, herb, or both — the term "banana" refers to the fruits produced by various herbaceous plants in the genus Musa.

Although in Western cultures the term is often used to describe the sweet, yellow variety many of us are familiar with. Bananas can be enjoyed both raw and cooked in a variety of dishes, especially desserts. They contain high levels of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. A plantain is actually a type of banana, but with a different flavor and culinary use.

Like bananas they are originally from Southeast Asia, but they're grown all over the world today. They tend to be larger in size than bananas, and have a thicker skin. Most of us have made the mistake at least once in our lives of trying to eat a green banana. One of the most common uses for plantains is making tostones patacones ; they are sliced and fried, before smashing and then frying a second time until crispy. Choose very green, unripe bananas as a replacement in tostones or for making crispy chips.

Other ways to use green bananas are to grind them into a powder and use it as a useful replacement for plantain flour. They can also be cooked and blended into a delicious dough for making tortillas. Plantain bread recipes will also work well with the use of bananas. When cooking them, keep in mind that their consistency is softer so give them less cooking time. Ripe bananas should never be used as a substitute for plantains. Yuca root is a part of the cassava plant and roughly the same shape and size as a sweet potato.

The skin is rough and comparable to bark so it must be peeled before using. A yuca root has white or creamy colored starchy flesh and a texture that is like a plantain once cooked. Baked fries or chips are both good options and they make a healthy snack. Most of us are familiar with potatoes in cooking, but did you know there are almost varieties of this vegetable.

Most of them can be grouped into varieties like waxy, floury, or mealy. Some types of potato work better than others as a plantain alternative. Check out our guide on types of potatoes to get more information on how they differ. Yams are a starchy, potato-like vegetable that are nutritious and delicious.

Unlike the potato, yams are slightly sweet with a starchier consistency so they make a good plantain alternative. Yams are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and are also nutritious thanks to their high levels of fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium. Breadfruits are another popular fruit from the tropics and can easily be identified with their prickly oval appearance. Protein 2g. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Plantains Recipes Green Plantain Pancakes This simple recipe for Green Plantain Pancakes are served with a horseradish sauce on top then decorated with fresh cilantro or parsley as an appetizer or snack. You can dress them up with a dot of caviar for a more sophisticated gourmet appetizer. The authentic sauce uses ancho chiles, almonds, plantain, canela, garlic and Mexican oregano.

Recipe uses green plantain, sliced and fried in vegetable oil. Serve as a side dish. You May Also Like. Gourmetsleuth is supported by minimal ads and reader support. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more. Related Recipes. Hawaiian Mango Bread. Thai Coconut-Lime Fondue. Bananas Foster Bars. Related Article.

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