Plantain Balls

Turn your sweet plantains into these delicious plantain balls. They’re so unbelievably delicious, that you’ll want to make them every chance you get.

I make these plantain balls just about every couple of weeks. Slightly sweet and savory, they make a perfect appetizer or snack!

Nothing beats homemade plantains, but now we are adding plantain balls to the mix! 

If you are familiar with these West African puff puffs, then these plantain balls are very similar. The ingredients used are completely different, but the shape is the same.

This version of plantain balls is made by grinding ripe plantain (semi-sweet and semi-green) in the food processor and filling it with Haitian pikliz for some heat.

About The Plantain Balls 

If using the mildly ripped plantains, they’re so crunchy and delicious. If making the balls with the yellow plantains, they will be soft and chewy. Both are super easy to make and can be made without any filling. Prepare yourself to indulge!

These bite-sized balls are deep-fried to golden perfection. When paired with the Pikliz, it transforms the plantains to a whole new level.

Which Plantains To Use?

To get the most out of your plantain balls, I highly recommend purchasing the following below: 

• Yellow Ripe Plantain – These are great because they add a natural sweetness. However, they will not provide a crispy outer layer. They will be soft and chewy; but as equally delicious. 

• Green / Yellow Plantains – I recommend getting the plantains that are in between if you are going for a crunchy outer layer. Use plantains that are slightly green and yellow. These “in-between” colored plantains will hold firm when processed in the food processor. 

• Green Plantains – They are perfect for deep frying; however, they are very grainy when they are not cooked. If your plantains are too green, I recommend leaving them out on the counter for a few days until they start to turn yellow or mildly yellow. These will need to be crumbled in the food processor as it will be too tough to mash with a fork. 

Ingredients

• Plantains – I recommend using one of the following listed above to achieve your desired texture. 

• Kosher salt – for seasoning and to balance out the sweetness if using the yellow plantains

• Oil to deep fry

• Pikliz (optional) – This is pickled coleslaw and it is very spicy. It’s great when served with plantains.

How To Make Plantain Balls

The full recipe with the exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card, but here you’ll find the steps for making this recipe perfectly every single time!

Use a food processor to grind the mildly green/yellow plantains (or the green ones). Add salt to season.

Take desired size. Flatten. Apply filling (if desired).

Roll into a ball (desired size). If using the yellow plantain, it will be too soft to roll. Use a cookie scoop transfer the plantains to the oil to deep fry.

Fried to a golden color.

Serve with Haitian pikliz and Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Plantain Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you made these plantain balls, pair them with this Haitian griot recipe or try one of these recipes next:

Haitian Fried Plantains (Air Fryer)

Plantain Porridge

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