Jamaican Sweet Plantain Crackers

Ingredients

In this Jamaican adaptation, the original Chinese Maltose Crackers are transformed into Sweet Plantain Crackers. The main difference lies in the use of ripe plantains instead of maltose as the primary ingredient. Additionally, Jamaican spices like allspice and nutmeg are incorporated to infuse the crackers with a distinct Caribbean flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Maltose Crackers, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains, mashed 2 ripe plantains, mashed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g) 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (30g) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (30g)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed plantains, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
4. 4.
   Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ripe plantains — Ensure that the plantains are fully ripe, with a yellow skin and slightly soft texture. This will provide the desired sweetness and flavor to the crackers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of the crackers to add visual appeal.
• Serve the crackers with a side of Jamaican jerk sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Jamaican Sweet Plantain Crackers as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips, spreads, or cheeses.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crackers on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside colorful fruits like mango slices or pineapple chunks to create a vibrant and tropical presentation.