Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 55 minutes • Servings: 6–8

Course: Main Dish • Cuisine: Caribbean Fusion

Plantain Lasagna Recipe | Caribbean Lasagne de Bananes

Description

Try this Caribbean-style Plantain Lasagna made with ripe plantains, creamy béchamel, and a savory meat sauce. A rich, flavorful twist on classic lasagna.

Why You’ll Love This Plantain Lasagna

This Lasagne De Bananes is a bold, Caribbean-inspired twist on classic lasagna.

Instead of pasta sheets, you use oven-roasted plantains, layered with a flavorful Haitian-style meat sauce and a creamy homemade béchamel.

It’s comforting, rich, unique — and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

👉 For the Plantain Layers

• 5 yellow ripe plantains
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Haitian marinade
  (marinade haïtienne — optional but recommended)
• 400 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 375 ml tomato coulis (one bottle)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 125 ml (½ cup) fresh basil, chopped
• 625 ml (2 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 45 ml (3 tbsp) butter
• 60 ml (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• 625 ml (2 ½ cups) milk
• 125 ml (½ cup) grated Parmesan
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add the milk and Parmesan while whisking constantly.
4. Bring to a boil without stopping the whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Cook until thick, smooth, and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Plantains

1. Peel the plantains.
2. Slice one plantain into 4–5 long strips.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. Brush the whole plantains and the strips with olive oil.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake 15 minutes, remove the strips, and set aside.
7. Continue baking the whole plantains for 25 more minutes.

3. Cook the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Sauté onion, peppers, and carrot with the Haitian marinade for 2 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef and break it apart; cook 3 minutes.
4. Add tomato coulis and the bouillon cube.
5. Season and cook 10 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink.
6. Adjust seasoning and stir in fresh basil.

4. Flatten the Plantains

1. Place a whole roasted plantain between two sheets of parchment paper.
2. Press with a cutting board until flat, resembling a lasagna sheet.
3. Repeat with all whole plantains.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Increase oven temperature to 190°C (375°F).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in your baking dish.
3. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella.
4. Layer with two flattened plantains.
5. Add half the meat sauce, half the béchamel, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers using the remaining plantains, sauce, béchamel, and cheese.
7. Top with the plantain slices.
8. Bake 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Serve It With

• A fresh green salad
• Garlic bread
• Spicy pikliz
• Avocado slices

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Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container

Freezer: Up to 2 months

Reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm

Nutrition & Benefits

This Plantain Lasagna is not only delicious — it’s also packed with nutrients from fresh plantains, vegetables, lean beef, and a homemade béchamel. Here’s why this dish is both comforting and nourishing:

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Rich in Fiber

Ripe plantains contain natural dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps keep you full longer, making this lasagna more satisfying than traditional pasta dishes.

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Natural Energy Booster

Plantains are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide steady energy — perfect for family dinners, kids, or active lifestyles.

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Vitamins & Minerals

Each serving brings essential nutrients such as:

• Vitamin A (supports vision & immune health)
• Vitamin C (boosts immunity & skin health)
• Potassium (helps regulate blood pressure)
• B-vitamins (support energy and brain function)

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Protein-Packed Meal

The lean ground beef adds high-quality protein, helping support muscle repair and keeping you full and energized.

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Healthy Fats & Calcium

The béchamel and cheese contribute:

• Calcium for strong bones
• Healthy fats for better vitamin absorption
• Creaminess without needing heavy ingredients

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Vegetable Benefits

The peppers, onions, and carrots add antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sweetness — making this dish more balanced and nutrient-dense.

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Gluten-Free Option

Because the lasagna uses plantains instead of pasta sheets, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the wheat flour in the béchamel for a gluten-free alternative.