Green Plantain Chips (Platanos)

Green Plantain Chips (Platanos) Recipe from Honduras

Region / culture: Honduras | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green plantain chips, also known as Platanos, are a popular snack in many Latin American countries. These crispy and savory chips are made from green plantains, which are a type of starchy banana. They are a delicious and addictive snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips and salsas.

History

Green plantain chips have been a staple in Latin American cuisine for centuries. Plantains are native to Southeast Asia and were brought to the Americas by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The chips are typically made from unripe plantains, which are firm and starchy, making them perfect for frying.

Ingredients

vegetable oil
1 large green plantain (approximately 1 lb (454 g))
salt (optional)

How to prepare

Put 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan and heat it to 375°.
Remove the skin from the plantain and cut off the fibrous strings.
Slice the plantain into thin rounds.
Deep fry the plantain slices, about a dozen at a time, until they turn golden brown on both sides. This should take around 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the fried slices on a paper towel.
Sprinkle the chips with salt and serve them warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle the chips with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Serve the plantain chips with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use green, unripe plantains for this recipe. Ripe plantains are sweet and will not fry up crispy like green plantains.

- Slice the plantains thinly and evenly to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Be sure to fry the plantain chips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.

- Drain the fried plantain chips on a paper towel to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Green plantain chips can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or served with salsa, guacamole, or a creamy dip.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional method for making green plantain chips, but you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative. Simply toss the sliced plantains with a bit of oil and salt, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find green plantains, you can use regular bananas for a sweeter version of this recipe. Keep in mind that ripe bananas will not fry up as crispy as green plantains.

Make Ahead Tips

You can slice the plantains ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them. This will save you time when you are ready to make the chips.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the green plantain chips in a decorative bowl or on a platter lined with banana leaves for a festive touch. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Green plantain chips pair well with a variety of dishes, including ceviche, grilled meats, and seafood. They also make a great accompaniment to cocktails and tropical drinks.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover green plantain chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chips on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of green plantain chips contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green plantain chips are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. One serving of plantain chips contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Green plantain chips are fried in vegetable oil, which adds fat to the recipe. One serving of plantain chips contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Green plantain chips are not a significant source of protein, with one serving containing less than 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green plantains are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Green plantain chips are a gluten-free and dairy-free snack, making them suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Green plantain chips are a tasty and crunchy snack that provides carbohydrates for energy, fats for satiety, and important vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Summary

Green plantain chips are a delicious and crunchy snack that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this traditional Latin American treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something salty and savory.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Green Plantain Chips, or Platanos as we call them in our family. It was many years ago, during a visit to my dear friend Maria's house in Puerto Rico. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to her delicious meals whenever I visited her.

On this particular visit, Maria had just fried up a batch of these crispy, savory plantain chips, and the aroma that filled her kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering. I watched with fascination as she peeled the green plantains, sliced them thinly, and fried them to perfection. The end result was a plate of golden-brown chips that looked absolutely irresistible.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained that green plantains are not sweet like ripe ones, but instead have a starchy, savory flavor that makes them perfect for frying. She showed me how to choose the right plantains - ones that are firm and green, with no yellow or black spots. She also taught me the importance of slicing them thinly and frying them in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown.

I took careful notes as Maria shared her recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try making them myself at home. When I returned from my trip, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. As I peeled and sliced the green plantains, I couldn't help but think of Maria and the wonderful time we had spent together.

The frying process was a bit tricky at first, as I had to make sure the oil was hot enough and that I didn't overcrowd the pan. But with Maria's guidance in mind, I soon got the hang of it. The plantain chips sizzled and crisped up beautifully, just like they had in Maria's kitchen.

When I took my first bite of the freshly fried plantain chips, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen in Puerto Rico. The crispy texture and savory flavor were just as I remembered, and I knew that I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe.

From that day on, Green Plantain Chips became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a snack for myself. Every time I fried up a batch, I thought of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

Over the years, I have continued to make Green Plantain Chips for my family and friends, passing on Maria's recipe and the memories of our time together. I have also added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and dipping sauces to make them even more delicious.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the friendship and culinary inspiration she has brought into my life. The recipe for Green Plantain Chips will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition and make their own memories with this beloved recipe.