How to make plantain chips
To make plantain chips, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- Green plantains
- Vegetable oil
- Salt (optional)
- Paprika or other desired seasonings (optional)
Equipment:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Baking sheet
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make plantain chips:
1. Peel the green plantains by making a shallow cut along the length of the plantain and then gently pulling the skin off. It can be challenging to peel them, so you can use a knife to help lift the skin if needed.
2. Slice the plantains into thin rounds or thin strips, depending on your preference. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer for even thinner slices. Make sure the slices are uniform to ensure they cook evenly.
3. In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You will need enough oil to submerge the plantain slices.
4. Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in small batches, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the slices for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them occasionally during frying for even cooking.
5. Once the plantain slices are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Allow excess oil to drain off by placing them on paper towels.
6. While the chips are still hot, season them with salt or other desired seasonings such as paprika or chili powder. Give them a toss to evenly coat the slices.
7. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can also bake the plantain chips instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Arrange the sliced plantains in a single layer on the sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn crispy.
8. Once the plantain chips have cooled and become crispy, store them in an airtight container to preserve their crunchiness. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or used as a delicious accompaniment to dips and salsas. Enjoy!
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make plantain chips:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients and equipment you'll need. You'll need ripe plantains, vegetable oil for frying, and salt (optional) for seasoning. You'll also need a knife, a cutting board, and a deep frying pan or deep fryer.
Step 2: Peel the plantains. Start by cutting off the ends of the plantains, then make a shallow cut along the length of each plantain, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Use your fingers to peel away the skin in strips.
Step 3: Slice the plantains. Lay the peeled plantains flat on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the plantains into thin, even slices. You can cut them diagonally for a different shape if desired.
Step 4: Heat the oil. Pour enough vegetable oil into the frying pan or deep fryer to cover the plantain slices. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of plantain into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.
Step 5: Fry the plantain slices. Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can cause the chips to become soggy. Fry the slices until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Drain and season. Once the plantain chips are golden brown, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt (optional) while they are still hot to season them.
Step 7: Repeat the frying process. Continue frying the remaining plantain slices in small batches until all the slices are cooked.
Step 8: Cool and store. Allow the plantain chips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Now you have your homemade plantain chips ready to enjoy!