Roasted Plantain Black Bean Salad Recipe | Easy Side Dish

A new salad recipe featuring roasted plantains and black beans is gaining attention for its potential as a versatile meal option, from a standalone side dish to a topping for salads or a component of a larger bowl.

The recipe, detailed by Bon Appetit, calls for dicing two ripe plantains and tossing them with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika before roasting at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15 minutes, or until tender and golden brown. The plantains are then combined with a mixture of drained and rinsed black beans, diced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime zest and juice, honey, and cumin.

The dish’s appeal lies in its ability to intensify the natural sweetness of the plantain through roasting, a departure from the more traditional methods of frying or boiling favored in Jamaican cuisine, according to Bon Appetit. The black beans provide a creamy, protein-rich counterpoint to the plantain’s texture.

The recipe’s creators highlight its suitability for meal preparation, noting that the flavors meld and improve over time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Variations on plantain and black bean combinations are already present in other culinary approaches. Plant Based RD highlights a similar pairing, focusing on marinating black beans in an orange vinaigrette alongside roasted plantains and crispy garlic rice. The Kitchn features a breakfast bowl incorporating black beans and plantains, heated in vegetable oil. Floating Kitchen offers a recipe for plantain and black bean tacos with chimichurri sauce, emphasizing the importance of using ripe plantains with yellow peels and dark spots for optimal sweetness and caramelization.

While the Bon Appetit recipe does not specify a particular serving suggestion beyond a side dish or salad topping, the broader trend suggests a versatility that extends to bowl-based meals and even taco fillings.