Spicy Plantain Bites

Ingredients

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the plantain pieces to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the marinated plantain pieces into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
6. 6.
   Fry the plantains until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Spicy Plantain Bites hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel the ginger before grating it.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• Nutmeg — Grate fresh nutmeg for a more intense aroma and flavor.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sprinkle some chili flakes on the Spicy Plantain Bites before serving.
• Serve the Spicy Plantain Bites with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the flavors.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mixture.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the plantains to achieve a crispy texture.
• Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or paprika to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Plantain Bites as a snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a side of rice and a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spicy Plantain Bites on a platter and garnish them with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Serve them with small bamboo skewers for easy handling.