Caribbean-style Plantain Curry

Caribbean-style Plantain Curry is a vibrant, comforting dish that blends the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the bold, aromatic flavors of Caribbean spices and creamy coconut milk. This hearty, satisfying curry is a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—perfect for a meatless main or a unique side dish that brings island flavor to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This plantain curry is a tropical twist on traditional curry dishes, offering a bold, sweet-savory flavor profile that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. The soft, caramelized plantains soak up the rich, spiced coconut sauce, creating a comforting and deeply flavorful dish. It’s simple to make, incredibly filling, and a great way to explore Caribbean cuisine from your own kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe plantains (yellow with black spots, sliced)
• Coconut oil or vegetable oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (optional, finely chopped)
• Curry powder (Caribbean-style or Jamaican)
• Ground allspice
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Coconut milk (full fat)
• Vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper
• Lime juice (for brightness)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

directions

this recipe

1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add curry powder, allspice, and thyme. Toast the spices for another minute to deepen the flavor.
5. Stir in coconut milk and broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add sliced plantains and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until plantains are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Stir in a splash of lime juice for freshness.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve warm with rice or flatbread.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein and texture.
• Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Use green plantains for a firmer, starchier version with less sweetness.
• Swap coconut milk for light coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Serve with Caribbean rice and peas, quinoa, or naan for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through.
This curry can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of plantains should I use?

Use ripe plantains with yellow skin and black spots—they’re sweet and soft, ideal for this curry.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! The scotch bonnet adds heat, but you can leave it out or use a milder pepper to control the spice level.

Can I use green plantains?

Yes, but the curry will be less sweet and the plantains will have a firmer texture.

What curry powder should I use?

Use Caribbean or Jamaican-style curry powder for authentic flavor, often more aromatic and earthy than Indian blends.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with plantain curry?

Serve it with steamed rice, coconut rice, roti, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as written.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely—add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu to make it more filling.

Will the plantains fall apart in the curry?

No, as long as they are ripe but not overly soft. They should hold their shape while becoming tender.

How do I balance the sweetness?

Lime juice and the heat from chili help balance the natural sweetness of ripe plantains.

Conclusion

Caribbean-style Plantain Curry is a rich, vibrant dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With sweet ripe plantains, warm spices, and creamy coconut milk, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more of this sweet-and-spicy comfort food classic.

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