If you don't know, plantains are the big cousins of the bananas. However, if I had to choose, I would pick plantains over bananas any day. Why? Easy, they are the most delicious food ever created on earth. Plus, they are super versatile. You can eat them before they ripe and after; salted or sweetened, fried or baked. Plantains are great for you because they add that delicious sweetness to a salty meal (like lunch and dinner). Here you will find 5 different ways you didn't know you could eat plantains. Go ahead and dive into the tropical flavors, Buen Provecho!

Before they ripe:

1. Patacón

In Latin America we love to eat fried green plantain, they are called "Patacones" in many places. Doing them is very easy, need to cut slice them, fry them for a few minutes, let them cool, press them until flattened, and fry them again! (I never said it was a diet recipe!) Anyways, here is a link of the exact recipe if you want to try this delicious treat that goes perfectly as a side for any meal http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/fried-green-plan...

2. Platanitos (Plantain Chips)

You know when you are tired of eating Doritos, Cheetos, or any other type of chip but you are still craving for something along those lines? Well, I have the perfect solution for you. With green plantains you can also make these chips called "Platanitos" (Spanish for little plantains). They are easy to make: slice the plantain in very thin slices and fry them. Thats it! However, check out the actual recipe if you want to have some Platanitos time http://laylita.com/recipes/2008/05/31/chifles-or-f...

After they ripe:

3. Tajadas (Fried Plantain):

This dish has many names, but where I come from, Venezuela, we call it tajadas. It is one of the easiest recipes you can do with plantain and honestly it is my personal favorite. First, get a ripe plantain one that is black and yellow, and soft. Peel it, and slice it in 1/4 inch pieces. Heat up a pan with lots of oil and deep fry them. Once they have a golden color they are ready!! Accompany them with some white cheese and you are all set. Anyways, here is a link that has a more detailed explanation on how to make these delicious treats, http://thelatinkitchen.com/r/recipe/fried-sweet-pl....

4. Sweet Plantain Pie

I have personally never had this, but I look at the recipe and my eyes go all heart emojis! (yes I said that). This pie is more of a desert kind of treat rather than a companion for lunch or dinner. It is a typical Ecuadorian dish that I am pretty sure people all over the world will enjoy! I mean, who doesn't love plantain and pie? Imagine them together! This link will tell you how to make the yummiest Sweet Plantain Pie, http://thelatinkitchen.com/r/recipe/sweet-plantain... It is never too late to try something new!!

5. Plantain Lasagna

You may be thinking, "Plantain and lasagna in together? WHAT?" Well, let me tell you this two come together like no other pair in the gastronomic world. It is also not the same lasagna you know. We call it that because of the same layer-based nature both dishes share. It is made with ground beef, fried plantains, and cheese. You can put in whatever makes you happy and serve this dish to surprise your friends and family with your kitchen skills! In the following link you will find the step by step recipe http://delishdlites.com/latin-recipes/pastelon-swe....

I hope you liked all of the recipes I shared with you. Plantains are NEVER a bad idea in any meal!!!! If you know any other recipe worth sharing, please comment. Enjoy some Latino cuisine and have fun! Buen provecho!