The plantain is a member of the banana family and is a common side dish in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. Plantains have lower sugar content and higher starch content than bananas, so it is typically consumed after it has been cooked, usually baked or fried. It may be prepared as a savory item with oil and salt, or as a sweet item with sugar. Plantains are typically eaten as a side dish with center-of-the-plate chicken or beef dishes.
Plantains are in the Adoption Stage. They are gaining traction on menus, but are still considered unique. They can be found at independent casual-dining and progressive fast-casual restaurants.
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Bahama Breeze, based in Orlando, Fla., serves Buttermilk Chicken Jibaritos, sliders with a Caribbean twist that use flattened fried plantains, like the ones shown, and buttermilk fried chicken, topped with Sriracha aïoli.