Sweet and crispy, plantain fries are top tier and a step up from the humble potato fry. (Just our opinion).
Plantain is a staple ingredient at Jam ‘n’ Vegan. These tropical fruits can be found in the Caribbean and Central America although they are actually native to Southeast Asia and made their way to the Caribbean by Spanish & African slave traders. Closer to home though, you can find them at your local Asian supermarkets.
How to know if your plantain is ripe?
As a plantain ripens, its colour changes from green to yellow to black. The riper the fruit, the sweeter the taste, so we’d recommend to use it when it’s mostly black with some yellow and it’s still firm to touch.
How to make plantain fries
Our favourite way to cook plantain is to fry it. Slightly sweeter than potato but still crispy, these make the perfect snack or accompaniment.
What you’ll need:
Plantain
Oil
Salt
Method:
1. Pour oil into a deep pan and allow to heat through. Make sure there’s enough oil in there for the fries to float.
2. Cut and peel your plantain.
3. Grab a crinkle knife (or regular knife if you don’t have a crinkly one) and chop into small rectangular pieces.
4. Carefully place the plantain into the oil, making sure it sizzles when it goes in (that’s how you know it’s hot enough).
5. Allow to fry until brown.
6. Carefully transfer the cooked plantain from the pan onto a tea towel, allowing it to drain.
7. Plate up!
8. Add some posh salt to finish.
9. Enjoy!
Watch our reel here, which shows you how to make them!
If you’d like to try plantain in one of our own meals, choose the Jackfruit Mutton served with Rice, Peas & Green Cabbage.
Comment below or send us a message on Instagram if you try this recipe and let us know what you think.
Team Jam ‘n’ Vegan
