| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 18g | 2g | 49g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 8g | 6g | 0.3g |
Every time I whip up a batch of Fried Plantain and Avocado Salsa, I can’t help but feel a pull back to my roots in the heartland of Nebraska. Amidst the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling plantains and the freshness of ripe avocados, I’m instantly transported back to corn fields and comfort food my Midwestern upbringing blessed me with. 
The Love for Plantains and Avocados
Now you might be wondering – plantains and avocados? In Nebraska? It might seem unusual but that’s the beauty of food. It bridges cultures and continents, much like how I grew up with the best of both worlds – traditional, hearty Nebraskan recipes and exotic dishes from my travels and worldly cooking experiments. This Fried Plantain and Avocado Salsa, in particular, was inspired by a captivating Latino dish I came across. Crisp fried plantains paired with a zesty, creamy avocado salsa – it’s comfort food that sings to me, reminding me of the warmth and hospitality of the heartland while celebrating the essence of vibrant, tropical flavors.
The Health Benefits
Aside from its tantalizing combination of flavors, this salsa comes packed with health benefits that simply add to its appeal. Plantains are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, while avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Top it off with the antioxidant-rich onion, tomatoes, and cilantro and you’ve got yourself a truly guilt-free indulgence. With the changing times, it’s important for me to balance my love for comforting, soulful food with my commitment towards health and wellness. And this recipe, with its surprising health benefits, enables me to do just that.
The Perfect Pairing
This Fried Plantain and Avocado Salsa boasts versatility. Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing side salad, use it as a topping for your choice of grilled meat or fish, or serve it up with some grilled chicken tacos for a hearty and satisfying meal. Its flexibility reminds me of Nebraska’s multifaceted culinary flavors, from wholesome casseroles to robust stews, mirroring the diversity and complexity of the heartland.
Every dish tells a story, and every time I prepare this salsa, I find myself basking in the nostalgia of my childhood while being invigorated by my adventurous culinary spirit. The Fried Plantain and Avocado Salsa isn’t just an explosion of flavors, it’s a journey that celebrates memories, love for food and the never-ending quest for health and happiness. Join me in this journey and soak in the goodness of the heartland, one bite at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 3 ripe plantains
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start the process by peeling the ripe plantains and slicing them into quarter-inch thick rounds on a diagonal. This increases the surface area for frying and ensures equal cooking.
Step Two
In a frying pan, pour vegetable oil to coat the bottom and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry the plantains in batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the fried plantains from the pan and let them rest on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step Three
While the plantains are cooling, prepare the avocado salsa. Start by chopping your ripe avocados, medium onion, tomato, and jalapeño peppers. Mince the garlic and finely chop the cilantro too.
Step Four
In a bowl, mix the chopped avocados, onion, tomato, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. Add the minced garlic, juice of two limes, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together gently to combine the flavors, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces.
Step Five
Once the salsa is mixed, allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step Six
Serve the fried plantains with the avocado salsa as a dipping side. Alternatively, you can top each plantain slice with a spoonful of the avocado salsa, turning them into delicious appetizers.
Remember to enjoy this delightful meal while it’s fresh and the plantains are still warm.
