Golden-Fried Plantain Bites with Spicy Salsa

Golden-fried plantain bites are a popular street food in many parts of the world, and for good reason. They're crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. This recipe for golden-fried plantain bites with spicy salsa is a great way to enjoy this delicious snack at home.

Plantains are a type of banana that is commonly used in cooking. They are larger and less sweet than bananas, and have a starchy texture that makes them ideal for frying. This recipe for golden-fried plantain bites is inspired by the traditional Colombian dish known as "patacones". Patacones are made by slicing plantains into thin rounds, frying them until golden brown, and then smashing them flat before frying them again. The result is a crispy, savory snack that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. In this recipe, we've simplified the process by slicing the plantains into thicker rounds and frying them only once. The result is a crispy, tender plantain bite that is perfect for dipping in our spicy salsa. The salsa is made with a combination of red onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. It is bright, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the crispy plantain bites.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 large green plantain, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
2. Add the plantain slices and cook until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the plantain slices to paper towels to drain.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the red onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Serve the plantain slices with the salsa.

Why It Works

• The coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the plantain bites.
• Frying the plantain slices in batches helps to prevent them from sticking together and ensures that they cook evenly.
• Transferring the plantain slices to paper towels to drain helps to remove excess oil and makes them extra crispy.
• The spicy salsa adds a bright, flavorful contrast to the crispy plantain bites.