Plantains are a starchy fruit that belongs to the same family as bananas. They are commonly found in tropical regions and are a staple food in many cuisines around the world. While plantains may resemble bananas, they differ in taste, texture, and culinary uses.
Unlike sweet bananas, plantains are usually eaten when they are green or yellow-green, before they fully ripen. As they mature, their starch content decreases, and they become sweeter. Green plantains are firmer and have a more starchy, neutral taste, while yellow plantains are softer and develop a mild sweetness.
Plantains are highly versatile and can be prepared in various ways. They can be boiled, fried, grilled, baked, or even mashed.
What are the most common ways to cook plantains?
- Fried Plantains: Sliced plantains are fried until golden and crispy, resulting in a delicious snack or side dish with a subtle sweetness and a caramelized flavor.
- Tostones: Green plantains are sliced, fried, flattened, and fried again to create crispy and savory tostones. They are typically served with a dipping sauce or as a side dish.
- Mofongo: A traditional Puerto Rican dish made by mashing fried plantains with garlic, salt, and other seasonings. Mofongo is often shaped into a mound and served with various fillings like shrimp, pork, or vegetables.
- Plantain Chips: Thinly sliced plantains are fried until crispy to make plantain chips, which are a popular snack in many Latin American countries.
- Plantain Porridge: Ripe plantains are mashed and cooked with milk, sugar, and spices to create a comforting and sweet porridge.
- Plantain Fritters: Mashed ripe plantains are combined with flour, spices, and other ingredients, then deep-fried to make flavorful fritters.
Plantains are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also gluten-free, making them a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
Due to their versatility, plantains are used in both savory and sweet dishes, depending on their ripeness. They add a unique taste and texture to recipes, ranging from hearty and savory meals to delightful desserts.
What are fried plantain chips?
Fried plantain chips are a delicious and addictive snack made from thinly sliced plantains that are fried until crispy. They offer a delightful combination of savory flavors, a satisfying crunch, and a hint of natural sweetness.
The taste of fried plantain chips can vary depending on the ripeness of the plantains used. Ripe plantains, which have a yellow skin with black spots, yield sweeter chips with a hint of caramelization. Green plantains, on the other hand, will produce chips that are less sweet and more starchy in flavor.
These crispy chips are a popular snack in many cultures, especially in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. They are enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack or served alongside dips, salsas, or guacamole. Plantain chips can also be used as a flavorful topping for salads or as a crunchy component in sandwiches and wraps.
Fried Plantain Chips
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesSliced plantains are fried until golden and crispy, resulting in a delicious snack or side dish with a subtle sweetness and a caramelized flavor.
Ingredients
3-4 whole plantains (green or yellow)
1 quart vegetable oil, for frying
2 tablespoons sea salt
Directions
- Cut off both ends of the plantains. Make a shallow incision lengthwise along the ridges of the plantain skin and gently peel it off. Slice the plantains into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, add enough oil to have a depth of 1″. Heat over medium-high heat to reach a temperature of 350°.
- Carefully place the sliced plantains into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and slightly caramelized. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them halfway through the cooking process.
As the plantains’ moisture hits the hot oil, the oil may pop for the initial few seconds, so be please careful.
- Once fried, remove the plantains from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt and allow to cool.
- Serve the fried plantains as a snack, side dish, or accompaniment to a main meal. They pair perfectly with Simple Guacamole.
