Why this fits a family on a budget
Using canned and frozen staples keeps the total cost well under $2 per serving, fitting comfortably within the $3/meal budget. The stew and plantains cook simultaneously in under 20 minutes with no advanced knife skills required.
• 2 15oz cans canned black beans
• 1 13.5oz can canned coconut milk
• 1 12oz bag frozen ripe plantains
• 1 14.5oz can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 0.25 tsp allspice
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Spread the frozen ripe plantains in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized on the edges. Set aside.
3. While plantains cook, dice the onion and green bell pepper into small, roughly equal pieces.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. When the oil shimmers (about 1 minute), add the diced onion and bell pepper.
5. Sauté the onion and pepper for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and softened.
6. Add the garlic powder, cumin, dried thyme, allspice, salt, and cayenne to the pan. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans, the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the full can of coconut milk. Stir everything together.
8. Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens slightly and turns a rich, creamy reddish-brown color.
9. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve the air-fried plantains on the side or on top.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.