Fried Plantain Chips

Fried green plantain chips seasoned lightly with salt are a popular snack all over the Caribbean and Central and South America. The key to success is cutting uniform slices for even cooking.

Jamaican Banana Fritters

Use overripe fruit to make Jamaican banana fritters that are tender yet slightly chewy—and even simpler than basic pancakes.

Pollo Campero–Seasoned Fried Plantain Chips

Lots of black and white pepper, curry powder, cumin, paprika, and more makes these plantain chips taste just like the seasoned golden crust on Pollo Campero's signature fried chicken.

Maduros (Fried Ripe Plantains) with Mint Mojo

Ripe plantains are slow-fried in oil until deeply caramelized and sweet. They get served with an herbal mint and parsley mojo sauce that brings a bright, acidic element to the sweet-and-savory snack.

Fried Plantains With Black Beans, Roasted Poblanos, Avocado, and Pickled Red Onion

[Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt] Patacones are the Colombian equivalent of Caribbean tostones—double-fried green plantains. Just like cooking a french fry, you start with a starchy chunk of green plantain, cook it once at a low temperature, then cook it a...

Mandazi (East African Coconut Doughnuts)

Mandazi are coconut doughnuts that are traditionally served alongside bharazi, or pigeon peas stewed in coconut cream, although they're also wonderful enjoyed all by themselves.

Roasted Sweet Plantains With Cream and Cinnamon

My aunt-in-law introduced me to this ultra-simple dessert of roasted sweet plantains enriched with a touch of cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. As it roasts, it turns custardy soft, taking on an almost pudding-like texture.

Fried Green Plantains (Patacones) With Guacamole

Crisp fried green plantains with a tender core, served with guacamole.

Patacones Con Hogao (Colombian-Style Fried Plantains with Tomato-Onion Sauce)

You can serve these as-is as a side dish (they commonly go with whole fried fish), or you can make a sauce for them.

Spiced Sweet Potato Doughnuts

[Photograph: Max Falkowitz] Mahlab is primarily used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breads and pastries, but there's no reason to limit it to those applications. It works surprisingly well with baking spices common in most pantries, like nutmeg and cinnamon....