| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 15g | 2g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 4g | 2g | 0.4g |
If there’s one gastronomic delight that never ceases to enthrall me, it must be Spicy Fried Plantains. The union of the sweet, slightly caramelized taste of ripe plantain with the thrilling after burn of cayenne always sends my taste buds on an uncharted culinary expedition.
Diving into the Tradition and Taste
Ever since I was a little girl, plantains captured a special place in my heart. Originally from Louisiana, with French ancestry, my love affair began in the kitchenc following the, at times, chaotic, aromatic and always delightful Creole cooking sessions. This popular African cuisine quickly become a staple at our dining table.
While they say you can’t improve on perfection, the French facet of my background urges my taste buds to embrace the warm allure of ground cinnamon. The French, after all, appreciate the subtle nuances of flavors and have a certain fondness for the sweet-spicy combination. One of the reasons Spicy Fried Plantains calls to me so strongly.
Why This Dish is a Health Champion
While Spicy Fried Plantains offer a culinary adventure, navigating the fiery spice and sweet caramelized planes, they also hold numerous health benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. As a rich source of dietary fiber, plantains aid in digestion and support the overall gut health. Additionally, they are packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and B6 and are a great source of minerals, notably magnesium and potassium. The cayenne pepper, quite the spice powerhouse, boasts of myriad health benefits including boosting metabolism and aiding digestion.
A Culinary Match Made in Heaven
This recipe works wonders when paired with a cheesy dip, or works incredibly well as a unique side dish to jerk chicken or a succulent grilled snapper. If serving it as a standalone snack, pairing it with a refreshing and tangy margarita blends perfectly and leaves you craving for more.
So, here’s to the Spicy Fried Plantain recipe that has become a part of my culinary identity – a harmonious balance of Creole richness and French refinement, and an absolute delight for the gastronomic senses.
What You’ll Need
- 4 large ripe plantains
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
Method
Step One
Start by peeling the plantains and slicing them at an angle into thin pieces. The angling facilitates more surface area for frying and spices, making them crispier and more flavorful.
Step Two
In a small bowl, prepare your spice mixture. Combine the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon. Stir until all the spices are thoroughly mixed together.
Step Three
Next, use a large, deep pan or skillet to heat the vegetable oil over medium to high heat. Be sure enough oil is used to fully cover the bottom of the pan.
Step Four
While the oil is heating up, lightly toss the plantain slices in the spice mixture to ensure an even coating on all sides, before setting them aside.
Step Five
When the oil is hot enough, carefully add the plantain slices to the pan. Fry them until they are bright golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Step Six
Once the plantain slices have reached the desired level of crispiness, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step Seven
While the plantains are still hot, sprinkle them with the brown sugar and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This adds a tangy sweetness to balance out the spicy flavors.
Step Eight
Serve the Spicy Fried Plantains hot as a mouthwatering side dish, snack or dessert. Enjoy the sweet, spicy, tangy flavors, and the unique texture of this special delicacy.
