Plantain Chips

plantain_chips

Plantain, a native fruit of the Caribbean Islands, belongs to the banana family but is usually cooked before consumption. Some people prefer it cooked while others prefer it raw, but the plantain is versatile and can be cooked in various ways. The Jamaican Plantain Chips recipe is one of those ways that is not only easy to make but also a healthy, yet delicious snack option.

If you’re not familiar with plantain, it is similar in taste to the banana when it is ripe but quickly becomes tougher and starchy, with a flavor that is almost similar to that of the potato when it is cooked while still unripe. Plantains are rich in dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and B6, making them a healthy alternative to regular chips.

To make Jamaican plantain chips, you will need only a few ingredients, namely plantains, salt, and vegetable oil for frying. When choosing plantains for this recipe, you want to go for the unripe ones that are still green. Matured plantains, which are yellow and soft, are sweeter and have a different taste that is unsuitable for this recipe. Choose plantains that are firm to the touch for this recipe.

Peeling the plantain is easy. First, slice both ends off the plantain, then make a shallow slit along the length of the plantain’s skin, being careful not to cut into the fruit itself. Use the slit to peel the skin off the plantain flesh by pulling it away from the fruit in long strips. Cut the peeled plantain into thin slices using a mandolin or a sharp knife.

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan to about 375°F. When the oil is hot enough, add the plantain slices to the pan, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown, usually for about a minute on each side. Remove the fried slices from the pan and allow them to drain on paper towels. Sprinkle some salt over the chips while they are still hot.

You can serve Jamaican Plantain Chips as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite main course. They are satisfying, crispy, and crunchy and are a great alternative to potato chips, especially if you’re looking for a healthier snack option. You can also make different variations of this recipe by adding a sprinkle of chili powder or paprika for some heat or a blend of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and Oregano for a herb-infused flavor.

In conclusion, Jamaican Plantain Chips are an easy yet delicious and healthy snack option that you can enjoy any time of the day. They are incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory snacks, the plantain chips will not disappoint. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy, crunchy texture of these delicious chips?

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  2. Peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the sliced plantains with vegetable oil and toss to coat them evenly.

  4. Spread the plantains out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  5. Sprinkle salt and cayenne pepper (if desired) over the plantains.

  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the plantains are golden brown and crispy.

  7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chips to cool for a few minutes.

  8. Serve the plantain chips as a snack or a side dish with your favorite Jamaican meal. Enjoy!