Banane Peze Recipe (Haitian Fried Plantains)

Banane Peze

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people

Banane peze (also spelled bannann peze, or Haitian fried green plantains) are an essential side dish in Haitian cuisine. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they pair perfectly with griot, fried fish, and stewed chicken — always with a generous spoonful of Wouushh Pikliz. Here's the traditional Haitian recipe, step by step.

Ingredients
1. For frying

• 4 green plantains (firm and unripe)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt to taste

2. For the soak

• 2 cups warm water
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 tsp salt

3. To serve

• Wouushh Pikliz
• As a side: griot, fried fish, or stewed chicken

Preparation

1. Prepare the plantains

• Cut off both ends of each plantain.
• Score the peel lengthwise and remove the skin.
• Cut into chunks 1 to 1½ inches thick.

2. First fry

• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 325°F).
• Fry the plantain chunks for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly golden but not browned.
• Drain on paper towels.

3. Flatten the plantains

• While still warm, flatten each piece using a tostones press, the bottom of a glass, or a plate.

4. The soak (the Haitian trick)

• Mix the warm water, crushed garlic, and salt in a bowl.
• Dip each flattened plantain in the garlic salt water for a few seconds.
• Drain lightly.

5. Second fry

• Increase the heat (around 375°F).
• Fry the plantains again until golden and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels and salt to taste.

6. Serve

• Serve hot with Wouushh Pikliz.
• Perfect alongside griot, fried fish, or stewed chicken.
• Bon apeti!

Haitian Kitchen Tips

• Use firm green plantains — ripe plantains (yellow or black) turn sweet and soft, which won't work for this recipe.
• Don't skip the garlic soak — it's what gives banane peze their signature flavor and crispy texture.
• Serve immediately — banane peze soften as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banane Peze

What kind of plantains should I use for banane peze?
Use firm, green plantains. Ripe plantains (yellow or black) are too sweet and soft for this Haitian fried plantain recipe.

What do you serve with banane peze?
Banane peze are served as a side dish with Haitian griot, fried fish, or stewed chicken — always with Wouushh Pikliz to bring it all together.

What's the difference between banane peze and tostones?
They're essentially the same dish. "Banane peze" (or bannann peze) is the Haitian name, while "tostones" is the name used elsewhere in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Banane Peze and Haitian Cuisine

Banane peze are at the heart of the Haitian table. Serve them with our Haitian griot recipe, our Haitian djon djon rice, or our Haitian stewed chicken. To bring it all together, add Wouushh Pikliz and season your meats with Wouushh Épis — the aromatic base of all Haitian flavors. Order your Wouushh spices and condiments here.