These oven-baked plantain chips, seasoned with sea salt, are a delightful blend of saltiness and crispiness. In the past, I used to relish a bag of All Dressed Ruffle chips and a Diet Coke while settling onto the couch for a movie night. Times have changed, and now, with age and wisdom, I’ve adopted a healthier approach to snacking. However, my fondness for chips remains intact, albeit in a more health-conscious manner, as exemplified by these sea salt plantain chips.
Growing up in Canada, plantains were not a staple in my household. In fact, I probably didn’t even know what a plantain was until my twenties. Being an adventurous eater, I’m always up for trying new foods. So, when I was offered my first plantain at a small Caribbean restaurant while studying in Montreal, I eagerly accepted. Since then, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of plantains and even attempted to cook them at home. But what truly captured my taste buds are these sea salt plantain chips. They boast a satisfying crispness, a delightful crunch, and the perfect balance of savory flavors.
You’ve likely spotted plantains at the grocery store and wondered, “Who buys those things?” Well, now you have the answer. Plantains are typically found in the produce section, resembling oversized bananas. However, they are distinct as they are larger, less sweet, and starchier than regular bananas. Unlike bananas, plantains are not eaten raw; they are treated as a vegetable and require cooking, similar to potatoes. In many cultures, plantains are either baked or fried and served as a starchy accompaniment to meals or even as a dessert.
