If you’ve been craving simple, plant-based meals that don’t require a ton of time in the kitchen (like me), this is the recipe for you!

My love affair with plantains continues with these 20-minute Spicy Plantain Black Bean Tacos!

About Plantains

Plantains are grown and enjoyed in many tropical regions around the world, especially in the Caribbean, Latin America, and West Africa. They are a relative of the banana, but tend to be larger and starchier. Mmmm, starch.

They can be consumed when green (unripe) or yellow (ripe). But in this recipe, we recommend ripe, yellow, spotty plantains for best results. Because that’s when they’re most sweet!

Origins of Tacos

It’s also no secret that we love tacos! So who exactly invented the taco? Because they are worthy of our greatest praise!

A professor who has spent much time researching the topic theorizes that tacos were invented by Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. (source)

Tacos became popular throughout Mexico and were introduced to the US by Mexican immigrants in the 19th century.

How to Make Plantain Black Bean Tacos

This recipe is quick and easy, requiring just 20 minutes and 10 ingredients. And with all of this summer heat, you’ll love that there’s little heat required.

It begins with spicy-sweet plantains sautéed to caramelized perfection. In the meantime, black beans simmer away while you prepare your desired toppings.

I found jalapeño, onion, and cilantro to be the perfect texture and flavor additions. And of course, who can forget the sauce? Salsa and hot sauce go great here.

I think you guys will love these summer-friendly tacos! They’re:

Super flavorful

Simple

Spicy-sweet

Satisfying

Plant-based

Customizable

& Simple

These would make a great weeknight meal when you want something quick, flavorful and hearty. You could even sub large tortilla shells and make this into a burrito, or put everything atop salad greens for a more vegetable-heavy dish.

If you try these tacos, let us know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate it, and take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram (our favorite) so we can see. Cheers, friends!