Simple Boiled Plantain with Avocado
Ripe plantains boiled until perfectly tender, with a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy, buttery avocado slices. This minimal-effort side dish comes together in 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients — a staple in Caribbean, West African, and Latin American kitchens that proves simple food can be the most satisfying.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Peel and slice the plantains.
1.Cut off both ends of each plantain.2.Score the peel lengthwise with a knife and remove it.3.Slice peeled plantains into thick 2-inch chunks. - boil · ~15 min
Boil the plantains until fork-tender.
1.Add plantain chunks and salt to a medium pot.2.Pour in enough water to cover the plantains by 1 inch.3.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium.4.Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.TIPDon't overcook — plantains should hold their shape and not turn mushy. - prep · ~2 min
Drain and let the plantains steam-dry.
1.Pour plantains into a colander to drain completely.2.Return drained plantains to the warm pot off heat.3.Let sit uncovered for 1-2 minutes so excess moisture evaporates.TIPSteam-drying keeps the plantains from becoming watery on the plate. - prep · ~2 min
Slice the avocados.
Halve each avocado, remove the pit, and slice the flesh into wedges or scoop it out with a spoon onto the platter.
- assemble · ~1 min
Arrange plantains and avocado on a platter.
1.Transfer warm plantain chunks to a serving platter.2.Nestle avocado slices alongside the plantains.3.Sprinkle salt evenly over the plantains and avocado.4.Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.TIPServe warm — boiled plantains stiffen and lose their silky texture as they cool.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose plantains that are fully ripe with black spots for maximum natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- 2Do not overcook the plantains — they should be fork-tender but still hold their shape, not mushy.
- 3Let the drained plantains steam-dry in the warm pot for 1-2 minutes to prevent a watery plate.
- 4Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and keep it vibrant green.
- 5Serve the dish immediately while plantains are warm — they stiffen and lose their silky texture as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the avocado and plantains for a warm, savory heat that balances the sweetness.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Swap the olive oil for a drizzle of coconut cream and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to accentuate the tropical flavors of the plantains.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Serve alongside grilled chicken, sautéed black beans, or fried eggs to add protein and turn this side dish into a hearty meal.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Finish with fresh cilantro or parsley and a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for an earthy, aromatic layer of flavor.
Vegan Smoked BoostVegan Smoked Boost
Instead of olive oil, use a dash of smoked salt or a drop of liquid smoke to give the plantains a savory, almost grilled complexity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Both plantains and avocados are excellent sources of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support heart health.
Good Source of Fiber
This dish delivers dietary fiber from both plantains and avocados, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Natural Sweetness, No Added Sugar
Ripe plantains offer a naturally sweet flavor without any refined sugars, making this a wholesome side or light meal.
Vitamin C and B6
Plantains contain vitamin C and vitamin B6, which support immune function and energy metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Green plantains are starchy and firm, not sweet — they are better fried or boiled for savory dishes like mofongo. For this recipe, use ripe yellow plantains with black spots.







