This lunch had good intentions, but it turned out rather disappointing. I had a plantain that was on its last few days, so I decided to have that, but it wasn’t was I was craving.
Plantains are kind of a cross between a banana and a potato – the riper they get the more banana-y they get. Mine was quite banana and was starting to turn black, but I made “potato” chips anyways. Baked in a 450* oven for 12 minutes. About 150 kcal worth of plantain chips:
I also decided on a panini-style turkey and cheese sandwich with some fresh basil.
While it tasted good, it was gone in about 6 bites 🙁
Lastly, fresh strawberries with greek yogurt. This ended up being kind of bland so I hopped up and added a sprinkle of Organic Morning cereal, which did improve it.
From above, would you believe that this lunch was 575 kcal? Very different from my super-volume lunches with tons of variety that take me a long time to eat.
I think the clouds are making me want to eat more!! I need to find myself a distraction!
I would love a plaintain right now. They make the best plaintain chips at my favorite burrito place in Boston. Too bad I live in Chicago now :-(.
Kath, I’ve only commented once before, but I love your site. Thanks for all the effort you put in.
I’ve recently started my own (like so many others). Hope you’ll check it out!
Well it still looks good!
What type of bread and cheese did you use?
Hi Kath,
I am ColombiaN so you can imagine that plantains play a big part in my diet. Unfortunately, plantains are traditionally deep-fried and of course DELICIOUS!!! But deep-fried plantains really should be a special occasion type food, but it has forced me to get a little creative with my plantains.
I thought i would share some methods for making plantains
1) When the plantains are very ripe (yellow with black spots) you can peel them cut them in half (lengthwise) and them let them brown on a griddle or grill. The come out SWEET and DELICIOUS, and so simple to prepare.
2) Now this is a pretty creative recipe but so GOOD. I love mashed potatoes but they are not that healthy. So instead i peel and then steam butternut squash and plantains (when they’re still green). Once the plaintain/squash are soft, I transfer them to a sautee pan in which i heated a tiny bit of olive oil and chopped garlic. Now the SMASHING begins. I smash everything with a little S+P on low heat and add some low-fat mozzarela (optional) . Let the cheese melt if you choose to add it and it is even better than full fat mashed potatoes but MUCH HEALTHIER!!!!
ps: the original recipe calls for sauteed onions mixed with the squash/plantain…but i know how you feel about ONIONS!!!!
Hey Kath, your lunch looks so scrumptious! Don’t you just love plantains???
What ways do you usually prepare it?
My mom usually waits until the plantain turns black to cook it and it comes out so sweet and delicious.. sometimes we even eat it boiled (cut off the tips, keep the skin on the plantain, and boil it in a saucepan until cooked through) and it is so delicious.
Sorry your tasty sammy was gone in a few bites.. I hate when that happens! Hope the rest of your day goes well.. 🙂
Is it blah weather EVERYWHERE today? It’s gross in Texas too :o(.
Hi Kath – your sandwich with the cheese oozing is too much. I watched the Bobby Flay grilled cheese Throwdown yesterday too, so I’m definitely wanting one… NOW.
Hi Kath.
Let me tell you, your plantain could have lasted more!!!!
If you ever buy those again, let one get completely ripe. I mean, black, maybe some yellow spots (but definetely more black than yellow). Make one or two cuts to the peel, from top to top, and wrap it in foil. set it on the oven -a medium hot to hot one- and let it sleep about one hour. Don’t put the foil too tight, you want the peel to go very very crispy and the fruit sweet sweet.
Then, you could try some fillings (white cheese is a typical one, but creativity does wonders)
This way the plantain gets very sweet, and a salty filling is a nice contrast. I guess you’d like it!!! plus, you could puree the oven-baked plantain and make banana bread (it DOES taste great). And finally, you could also microwave it (the same, but sans foil) on high for 3-4 minutes. It gets a little soggy (I vote for the oven method), but’s a quick fix anyway.
=) go plantains!
Ahh, sorry that your lunch wasn’t too satisfying – go for a long walk!! That should help cure the hunger.
its BLAH in new jersey too! guess the US is just having a Blah kind of day
I just spent the weekend at Atlantic Beach in NC… helping a friend with wedding planning and enjoying the beach… I MUST recommend if anyone ventures to that area/Morehead City… go to “Flyods 1921″… Floyd owns it with his wife Shana (they are catering the wedding)… He is just so creative and fun and they are such a friendly pair! Spectacular combinations from really good people… insert vision of future Kath & Husband
WOW! I just looked at your breakfast post and you look completely different from your college days! In an absolutely good way though! You’re such an inspiration to others who want to get fit.
Also, thank you for all the recipes! I am a very healthy young girl who loves to try different foods and I’ve tried a few of your recipes and love them. =)
Exa,
The blog looks like it’s off to a great start!! I’ve got it bookmarked 🙂
Susan ,
Bread = Rudi’s Organic Honey Wheat, bought today at EarthFare. Cheese = Kraft 2% Sharp Cheddar in slices.
Thanks for all the plantian cooking tips!!! I guess I need to try a really black one next 🙂
elizabeth ,
Thanks for your nice comment!
Kath