Gluten Free Lemon & Olive Oil Plantain Mash
Ripe plantains — the kind with yellow skins gone spotty black — mash into something wonderfully creamy and naturally sweet, and this version takes them somewhere bright and savory with garlic-infused olive oil, fresh lemon, and a whisper of turmeric. The result is a golden, fragrant mash that feels both comforting and a little unexpected. Because plantains are inherently gluten-free and every ingredient here is a whole, unprocessed staple, there's no label-reading anxiety or ingredient swapping required — it just works as written. The technique is simple: boil until completely tender, mash to a rustic texture, then fold in that warm garlic oil along with lemon juice and zest for a hit of acidity that keeps the natural sweetness in check. Turmeric gives the mash a gorgeous pale-gold color and a subtle earthiness that makes it look far more impressive than the effort involved. A scatter of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of green and a clean, herby finish. Serve it alongside grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or honestly just eat it straight from the bowl — no one will judge you.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the plantain chunks in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 15–18 minutes, until the plantains are completely tender and a fork slides through without resistance.
- 2
While the plantains cook, warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges — watch closely, as garlic can brown quickly.
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