Mariquitas Cubanas are a crispy and delicious snack famous in Cuban cuisine. These chips are made by thinly slicing green plantains and frying them to golden perfection. They are known for their irresistible crunch and slightly sweet flavor and served with a garlic dipping sauce, making them a perfect appetizer that pairs well with various meals.
Why Mariquitas Cubanas is the Best Snack for Any Occasion?
Easy and Quick to Prepare
Mariquitas Cubanas are simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Their ease and speed of preparation make them an ideal snack for impromptu gatherings, parties, or a quick treat.
Universally Appealing Flavor
The mildly sweet yet savory taste of Mariquitas Cubanas appeals to a wide range of palates. The natural flavor of plantains, enhanced by frying, creates a delightful snack that is neither sweet nor savory, making it a hit for adults and children.
Perfectly Crunchy Texture
The thin slicing and precise frying of the plantains result in a perfectly crispy texture. This satisfying crunch, coupled with the lightness of the chips, makes Mariquitas Cubanas a moreish snack that’s hard to stop eating.
Versatile Pairing Options
These plantain chips can be served with various dips and accompaniments, from a simple garlic sauce to a spicy salsa, making them versatile for different tastes and occasions. Their adaptability in pairing makes them suitable for a wide array of events and meals.
Healthier Alternative to Traditional Chips
Being made from plantains, Mariquitas Cubanas are a healthier alternative to regular potato chips. They contain beneficial nutrients and can be made with less oil, especially when air-fried, offering a guilt-free snacking option.
Mariquitas Cubanas Cooking Time
The cooking time for Mariquitas Cubanas (Plantain Chips) is typically about 30 minutes including preparation and cooking. The chips should be fried until golden brown, indicating they are crispy and cooked through. Monitoring them closely is important as they can quickly go from perfectly crisp to overly brown.
Recommendations to Make the Best Mariquitas Cubanas
- Choose Green Plantains: Select firm, green plantains for making Mariquitas Cubanas. These are less sweet and starchy, ideal for achieving a crispy texture.
- Thin and Even Slices: Slice the plantains as thinly and evenly as possible. This ensures that they cook uniformly and achieve the desired crispness.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at a consistent temperature of around 350°F. A thermometer can help monitor the temperature to prevent the chips from burning or becoming too greasy.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the slices in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to unevenly cooked chips.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Place the chips on paper towels to drain excess oil after frying. This step helps in keeping them crisp.
Mariquitas Cubanas Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With?
- Garlic Mojo Sauce: A classic Cuban garlic sauce, Mojo, is the perfect dip for Mariquitas Cubanas, providing a flavorful and aromatic complement to the crisp chips.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole offer a rich, smooth contrast to the crunchy texture of the plantain chips.
- Cuban Black Beans: Serve alongside Cuban black beans for a hearty and traditional pairing that balances the lightness of the chips.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A tangy and fresh salsa or pico de gallo adds a juicy and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall snacking experience.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Pair with cilantro lime rice for a complete meal, where the zesty rice complements the subtle sweetness of the plantains.
- Ceviche: Accompany with a refreshing ceviche, where the citrusy and fresh flavors of the seafood dish pair excellently with the crispiness of the chips.
- Grilled Meats or Fish: Mariquitas Cubanas can be a great side to grilled meats or fish, adding a crunchy texture to a protein-rich meal.
How to Store Mariquitas Cubanas?
Mariquitas Cubanas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To retain their crispiness, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. Avoid storing them in humid or damp conditions, as this can make them soggy.
Can you Make Mariquitas Cubanas Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Mariquitas Cubanas ahead of time. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can fry them and store them in an airtight container. To rejuvenate their crispiness before serving, briefly reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at a low temperature.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Mariquitas Cubanas
Add a spicy twist to the classic recipe by sprinkling the plantain chips with chili powder or cayenne pepper immediately after frying. This variation adds a kick of heat that complements the natural sweetness of the plantains, appealing to those who enjoy a spicy flavor profile.
Sweet Mariquitas Cubanas
For a sweet version, dust the fried plantain chips with cinnamon sugar. The sugar’s sweetness and the cinnamon’s warmth offer a delightful contrast to the salty, crispy chips, making them a unique dessert or sweet snack option.
Lime-Flavored Mariquitas Cubanas
Enhance the Mariquitas Cubanas with a zesty twist by squeezing fresh lime juice over the chips right after they come out of the fryer. The tangy flavor of lime adds a refreshing note, perfect for those who enjoy a citrusy touch.
Herbed Mariquitas Cubanas
Mix finely chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or rosemary into the salt seasoning for a herby flavor. This version brings an aromatic and gourmet element to the Mariquitas Cubanas, ideal for pairing with more sophisticated dips and sides.
Cheese-Dusted Mariquitas Cubanas
After frying, sprinkle the plantain chips with grated Parmesan or other finely grated hard cheese. The cheese melts slightly on the warm chips, creating a delicious, cheesy snack.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat Mariquitas Cubanas and maintain their crispness, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to restore their original texture and crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy. For the best taste, consume them shortly after reheating.
Mariquitas Cubanas
Equipment
- Mandolin slicer or sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 3 green plantains, peeled
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 tsp salt, plus more for garnishing
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel the plantains and slice them thinly, either by hand or using a mandolin slicer.
- Place the sliced plantains in a bowl of cold water, add 2 tsp of salt, and mix well.
- Continue slicing and placing the plantains in salted water until all are prepared.
- Drain the water from the plantains and heat canola or vegetable oil in a pan.
- Carefully place plantains in the hot oil, ensuring they don't clump together.
- Fry for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Remove plantains from the oil and drain the excess oil on paper towels.
- Once all plantains are fried, garnish with additional salt and serve.
Video
Notes
- Pre-Slicing Plantains: Slicing all plantains before frying ensures uniform soaking time, enhancing consistency in flavor and texture.
- Drain Plantains Thoroughly:After soaking, ensure plantains are well-drained to prevent splattering in the hot oil and achieve a better fry.
- Test Oil Temperature:Drop a small piece of plantain in the oil to test if it's ready. It should sizzle without burning quickly.
- Use of Paper Towels for Crispiness:Layering paper towels on a plate for draining fried plantains helps to remove excess oil, keeping them crisp.
- Serving Freshness: Mariquitas Cubanas are best enjoyed fresh; however, they can be reheated in an oven at a low temperature to maintain their crunch.
- Total Fat: 9-11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 200-250 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 g
- Sugars: 10-12 g
- Protein: 1-2 g