[Foodies Corner] 5 School lunch to prepare with Plantains

Plantain is a great ingredient for children’s school lunches because it is filling, versatile and provides energy. You can combine it with eggs, beans, vegetables or fish to make a balanced meal.

Here are 5 school lunch ideas you can prepare with plantains

1. Plantain and Egg Sandwich

Ingredients: Ripe plantain, eggs, bread, tomatoes and a little vegetable oil.

Preparation:

1. Boil or lightly fry the plantain.
2. Scramble the eggs with chopped tomatoes.
3. Place the eggs between slices of bread.
4. Pack with a few pieces of plantain.

Why it is good: Eggs provide protein, while plantain supplies energy.

2. Boiled Plantain with Egg Sauce

Ingredients: Ripe or unripe plantain, eggs, tomatoes, onions and a little oil.

Preparation:

1. Peel and boil the plantain until tender.
2. Prepare egg sauce with chopped tomatoes and onions.
3. Pack the plantain and sauce in a leakproof food container.

Why it is good: It provides carbohydrates and protein to keep children satisfied during school hours.

3. Beans and Fried Plantain

Ingredients: Beans, ripe plantain, onions and a little vegetable oil.

Preparation:

1. Cook the beans until soft.
2. Slice and fry the plantain using a small amount of oil, or bake it.
3. Pack both in a lunchbox.

Why it is good: Beans provide protein and fibre, while plantain supplies energy.

4. Plantain Moi Moi

Ingredients: Ripe or slightly unripe plantain, eggs, fish, peppers and onions.

Preparation:

1. Peel and blend the plantain with a little water.
2. Add beaten eggs, cooked flaked fish, blended peppers and onions.
3. Pour the mixture into small heatproof containers.
4. Steam until firm and thoroughly cooked.

Why it is good: It combines plantain with protein from eggs and fish. Use mild seasoning for younger children.

5. Plantain Pancakes

Ingredients: Ripe plantain, eggs, flour, milk and a little cinnamon (optional).

Preparation:

1. Mash the ripe plantain until smooth.
2. Mix with eggs, flour and a little milk.
3. Pour small portions into a lightly greased pan.
4. Cook both sides until golden and fully set.
5. Allow to cool slightly before packing.

Why it is good: Plantain pancakes are easy to eat and make a convenient lunchbox option.

Tips for packing plantain school lunches

• Use a clean, insulated lunch bag.
• Keep eggs, fish and other perishable foods hot in a suitable insulated container or cold with ice packs.
• Cut plantain into manageable pieces for younger children.
• Avoid excessive oil, salt and spicy pepper.
• Include fruit and water to make the lunch more balanced.

My recommendation: Try beans and plantain for a filling lunch, or plantain pancakes for a fun alternative. You can rotate these five meals throughout the school week to keep your child’s lunch interesting.