Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos
Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos: A crispy, flavorful twist on a classic snack.
In the realm of culinary innovation, the humble plantain has often played second fiddle to its more glamorous cousin, the banana. But not today. Today, we elevate the plantain to its rightful place as the star of the show in these smoky fried plantain nachos. The journey begins with the selection of the perfect plantains. Look for firm, unblemished fruits with a slight green tinge. Resistance when pressed is a sign of ripeness, without being too soft or mushy. Once you have your chosen plantains, the next step is to slice them into thin rounds. This will ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. The secret to achieving perfectly crispy plantains lies in the marinade. A harmonious blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper infuses each round with a symphony of flavors. As the plantains bask in their marinade, let's explore the origins of this culinary masterpiece. The inspiration for these nachos stems from a vibrant tapestry of cultures, where the smoky flavors of the Middle East meet the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine. The result is a tantalizing fusion that will ignite your taste buds. Now, it's time to introduce the supporting cast that will complement the crispy plantain base. Creamy avocado slices add a luscious richness, while vibrant red onion and herbaceous cilantro lend a refreshing contrast. The harmonious interplay of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. To assemble your masterpiece, arrange the fried plantain rounds on a large platter, like a blank canvas waiting to be adorned. Generously top with the avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro. Each nacho becomes a miniature work of art, ready to tantalize your taste buds.
Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos Smoky Fried Plantain Nachos
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 large green plantain, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss plantain rounds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
  4. Arrange fried plantain rounds on a large platter.
  5. Top with avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • Slicing the plantains thin ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Marinating the plantains in a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper infuses them with a symphony of flavors.
  • The combination of creamy avocado slices, vibrant red onion, and herbaceous cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy plantain base.