Making Ghanaian-style plantain chips is a delicious and popular snack in Ghana. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 ripe plantains
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick (to taste)
Instructions:
- Select ripe plantains: Choose plantains that are ripe but still firm. They should have a yellow skin with some black spots, indicating ripeness. Avoid using green plantains as they will be too starchy for making chips.
- Prepare the plantains: Wash the plantains thoroughly and then peel them. You can use a knife to make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain’s skin and then peel it off easily. Cut the peeled plantains into thin slices using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer. Aim for thin, even slices to ensure that the chips cook evenly.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or a deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the plantain slices. The oil should be hot but not smoking, typically around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry the plantain slices: Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon or a wire mesh skimmer to remove the chips from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Season the chips: While the chips are still hot, sprinkle them with salt to taste. You can also add cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy flavor if you like. Toss the chips gently to ensure even seasoning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the plantain chips to cool completely before serving. They will become even crispier as they cool down. Serve them as a snack or side dish.
Enjoy your homemade Ghanaian-style plantain chips! They make a delicious and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking or as an accompaniment to other Ghanaian dishes like kelewele (spicy fried plantains).