Crispy Riquitas Plantain Chips - A Tasty and Healthier Snack

What Are Riquitas Plantain Chips?

Riquitas plantain chips, also known as mariquitas, are a popular savory snack made from green plantains. Plantains are starchy members of the banana family that have a mild flavor and are commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Plantains vs Bananas

While plantains may look like large bananas, there are some key differences:

• Plantains contain more starch and less sugar than bananas, giving them a milder flavor.
• Ripe plantains tend to be firm and starchy rather than sweet.
• Green plantains are even starchy and have a neutral flavor, making them perfect for frying into chips.

Benefits of Plantain Chips

Riquitas plantain chips have some nutritional advantages over potato chips and other salty snacks:

• They are lower glycemic index than white potato chips.
• They contain more fiber, vitamins A and C.
• They are naturally gluten-free.

How Are Riquitas Plantain Chips Made?

Making riquitas plantain chips starts with choosing fresh, firm green plantains. Green plantains are very starchy and neutral in flavor. As plantains ripen, they become sweeter and softer - not ideal traits for frying.

Peeling and Slicing Plantains

The tough plantain peel needs to be removed first. Then, the plantain is sliced very thin - about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices ensure the chips fry up nice and crispy.

Frying Plantain Slices

The raw plantain slices are fried up quickly in hot oil. Canola, vegetable, peanut or coconut oil work well. Frying helps develop the flavor of the slices and gives them their signature crispy, crunchy texture.

Seasoning the Chips

Once fried, the hot plantain chips are immediately seasoned with salt or other savory spices like onion powder, garlic powder, cumin or smoked paprika. The seasonings cling nicely to the porous, fried slices.

Enjoying Riquitas Plantain Chips

Golden, crispy riquitas plantain chips make for an irresistibly tasty snack on their own. Their mild flavor also pairs well with various dips and salsas. Try them with guacamole, cheese dip, or Pernil pork.

Buy or Make Your Own

Look for bags of riquitas plantain chips in the snack aisle alongside potato chips at well-stocked grocery stores. Major brands like Goya sell them.

Making homemade riquitas chips isn't difficult. With some green plantains, oil and seasonings, you can fry up a delicious batch in your own kitchen.

A Tropical Twist

For a modern twist, try flavored riquitas chips made with coconut oil and seasoned with spicy adobo or tangy lime and salt. Their crispy-crunchy texture and mild plantain flavor make these chips an exotic and healthier alternative to potato chips.

FAQs

What does riquitas mean?

Riquitas roughly translates to "yummy" or "delicious" in Spanish. It refers to the tasty flavor of these crispy plantain chips.

Are riquitas plantain chips healthy?

Yes, riquitas chips are a healthier alternative to potato chips. They are lower on the glycemic index, contain more fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. Just avoid overdoing it on the added oil and salt when making them.

Can you eat yellow or black plantains as chips?

Not really. As plantains ripen to yellow and black, they become very sweet and soft - not good traits for frying into crispy chips. Green plantains work best.

What oil is best for frying riquitas chips?

Good oils for frying plantain chips include canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil and coconut oil. They all have high smoke points suited for deep frying.

How long do homemade plantain chips last?

Store homemade riquitas plantain chips in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life for another 1-2 weeks.