Plantain Chips I Recipe from Liberia | Ingredients: Plantains, Oil

Plantain Chips I

Plantain Chips I Recipe from Liberia | Ingredients: Plantains, Oil
Region / culture: Liberia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Plantain Chips I
Plantain Chips I

Plantain chips are a popular snack enjoyed in many countries around the world. These crispy and savory chips are made from thinly sliced plantains that are fried until golden brown. They are a delicious and addictive snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips and salsas.

History

Plantain chips have been enjoyed for centuries in countries where plantains are a staple food. Plantains are a type of banana that is larger and starchier than the sweet bananas that are commonly eaten raw. Plantains are often cooked before eating, and frying them into chips is a popular way to enjoy this versatile fruit.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Peel the very green plantains and slice them very thin.
  2. Fry them in deep oil until they turn golden brown and crisp, then drain them on a paper towel.
  3. Sprinkle them with salt.
  4. Store them in sealed containers.

Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Try seasoning the plantain chips with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of oil for frying, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use very green plantains for the crispiest chips.

- Slice the plantains as thinly as possible for a crispy texture.

- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the plantains to ensure they cook evenly.

- Drain the fried plantains on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

- Season the plantain chips with salt while they are still warm for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Plantain chips can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with dips such as guacamole, salsa, or hummus.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

If plantains are not available, you can use green bananas as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can fry the plantain chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the plantain chips in a decorative bowl or on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or citrus slices.

Pairing Recommendations

Plantain chips pair well with a variety of beverages, such as beer, cocktails, or fruit juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover plantain chips in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are crispy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of plantain chips contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Plantain chips are a high-carbohydrate snack, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Plantain chips are fried in oil, so they are a high-fat snack. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Plantain chips are a low-protein snack, with each serving containing only 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Plantain chips are a good source of potassium, with each serving containing approximately 300 mg of this essential mineral. They also contain small amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A.

Alergens

Plantain chips are a gluten-free and nut-free snack, but they are fried in oil, so they may not be suitable for those with allergies to certain oils.

Summary

Plantain chips are a high-carbohydrate and high-fat snack that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Plantain chips are a delicious and addictive snack that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this crispy and savory treat anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Plantain Chips. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of San Juan in Puerto Rico. My grandmother, Abuela Maria, was the one who first introduced me to this delicious snack.

Abuela Maria was a master in the kitchen, and she knew all of the traditional Puerto Rican recipes by heart. She would spend hours cooking up a storm, filling the house with the most mouth-watering aromas. I loved watching her work her magic in the kitchen, and I would often help her out by stirring the pots or chopping the vegetables.

One day, Abuela Maria decided to teach me how to make Plantain Chips. She explained that this was a popular snack in Puerto Rico, made from ripe plantains that were thinly sliced and deep-fried until crispy. I had never tried Plantain Chips before, but I was eager to learn how to make them.

We started by selecting the ripest plantains from the bunch that Abuela Maria had bought at the market earlier that day. She showed me how to peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds using a sharp knife. The plantains were slightly sticky, and their sweet aroma filled the air.

Next, Abuela Maria heated up a pot of vegetable oil on the stove until it was hot and shimmering. She carefully dropped a few plantain slices into the oil, and they sizzled and bubbled as they cooked. The smell of frying plantains filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

After a few minutes, the plantain slices turned a golden brown color and were crispy and crunchy. Abuela Maria scooped them out of the oil and sprinkled them with a pinch of salt. She handed me a plate of Plantain Chips, and I eagerly took a bite.

The chips were warm and crispy, with a slightly sweet flavor that was irresistible. I couldn't believe how delicious they were! I quickly devoured the entire plate of Plantain Chips, savoring each crunchy bite.

From that moment on, I was hooked on Plantain Chips. I begged Abuela Maria to teach me how to make them again and again, until I had mastered the recipe myself. I would make a batch of Plantain Chips whenever I had friends over, and they would always disappear within minutes.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Plantain Chips with many people, passing on the tradition that Abuela Maria started. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavors.

But no matter how many variations I try, the simple joy of making Plantain Chips always brings me back to that day in Abuela Maria's kitchen, when I discovered the magic of this beloved snack. The memories of my grandmother and her delicious recipes will always hold a special place in my heart.

Categories

| Liberian Recipes | Liberian Snacks | Plantain Recipes |

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