Plantain Pie

Step-by-step

My Unexpectedly Delicious Plantain Pie Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a daily occurrence. Most of my baking attempts involve quick breads or simple cookies, things that can be whipped up quickly between school drop-offs and client meetings. But last week, I stumbled upon a recipe for plantain pie, and something about the combination of sweet plantains and nutty spices intrigued me. I had a few overripe plantains that were threatening to become compost, and a sudden burst of free time on a Saturday afternoon. So, I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did!

The recipe itself was surprisingly simple. The ingredient list was straightforward, featuring pantry staples and a few additions that elevated the taste profile. Mashing the plantains was the most time-consuming part, but even that was therapeutic in a way, the smooth, creamy texture developing under my hands. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it baked was incredible, a warm, sweet fragrance that promised a comforting treat. The result? A moist, subtly sweet pie with a delightful texture. The plantains added a unique sweetness, complementing the other ingredients beautifully. The oats and nuts gave it a satisfying chewiness, and the subtle spice notes rounded off the flavor perfectly. My kids devoured it, and even my usually picky husband asked for seconds. It was a true family success!

What surprised me most was the versatility of the recipe. The original called for oat flour, but I’m sure other types of flour would work just as well. Brown sugar is a suggestion, but you could adjust the amount to your liking. Similarly, the nuts and dried fruits are additions for flavor and texture; feel free to swap them out for your favorites. I’m already thinking about trying a version with pecans and cranberries next time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for culinary experimentation. The core elements—the mashed plantains, eggs, and a touch of spice—remain constant, while everything else can be customized to your preferences.

This plantain pie has become a new addition to my repertoire of easy, crowd-pleasing desserts. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use up those overripe plantains before they go to waste. Plus, it’s a fun, relatively simple recipe to try with kids, allowing them to participate in the mashing, mixing, and perhaps even the decorating if you’re feeling creative. It's a dish that embodies the spirit of resourceful cooking, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. It's a testament to the power of humble ingredients, elevated by a little creativity and a dash of love.

Beyond the simple pleasure of baking and the delicious results, this experience reminded me of the importance of embracing unexpected moments of free time. Those pockets of unplanned hours, often filled with guilt over unchecked to-do lists, can sometimes lead to the most delightful surprises. Taking a break to bake this pie, a spontaneous act born from a few overripe plantains, was a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding experiences are the ones we don't plan. So, my advice? Keep a few overripe plantains on hand and prepare to be delightfully surprised.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of baking soda
• 2 overripe plantains
• 2 medium to large eggs at room temperature
• 1 stick or 1/2 a cup of melted butter
• 1 1/2 cup of oat flour (any flour works)
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup of brown sugar (adjust to your liking)
• 1 tbsp oatmeal
• 1 tbsp of baking powder
• 2 tsps of vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp of nutmeg (optional)
• 1-2 tbsps desiccated coconut
• 4 tbsps of any type of chopped nuts (walnuts used in original recipe)
• 2 tbsps of black currant or raisins

This plantain pie adventure proved to be more than just a simple dessert; it was a reminder to embrace the unexpected, to make the most of what’s available, and to savor the simple joys of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to embark on your own plantain pie journey!