Dominique bananas bring the authentic taste of Caribbean cooking bananas to your kitchen, offering a versatile ingredient that's essential in traditional island cuisine. These green cooking bananas, also known as green bananas or cooking plantains, are a staple throughout the Caribbean, particularly in Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Jamaican kitchens. Unlike sweet dessert bananas, Dominique bananas are typically harvested while green and firm, with a starchy texture and mild, slightly earthy flavor that makes them perfect for savory preparations.
These cooking bananas shine in traditional Caribbean dishes where they're boiled, mashed, or fried to create hearty, satisfying meals. Popular preparations include mangu, a creamy Dominican mashed banana dish often served with eggs and cheese, or simply boiled and served alongside rice and beans. They can be sliced and fried to make crispy banana chips, added to sancocho stews, or boiled and mashed as a nutritious side dish similar to potatoes. The firm texture holds up well during cooking, making them ideal for soups, stews, and one-pot meals.
When preparing Dominique bananas, peel them under running water to prevent the sticky sap from adhering to your hands. They pair beautifully with garlic, onions, and olive oil for simple sautéed preparations, or can be seasoned with salt and served as a satisfying alternative to rice or potatoes. Store them at room temperature and use while still green and firm for the best cooking results.