National Dish Gambia: Plantain Chips (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Plantain Chips, a crunchy snack that brings a taste of West Africa straight to your kitchen! Made from humble green plantains, these golden crisps are simple to prepare yet endlessly satisfying. Lightly salted and shatteringly crisp, they make the perfect nibble for a cosy night in front of the television or a lively party spread. Once you have tried a homemade batch, shop-bought crisps will never quite compare.
About Plantain Chips
Plantain Chips are crispy snacks made from plantains, and they are a much-loved delicacy right across West Africa. They strike a wonderful balance between bold flavour and satisfying texture, and they are surprisingly easy to make at home. As a rule they are a healthier alternative to ordinary potato crisps, especially when you keep the seasoning simple. Whether served as an appetiser or a laid-back television snack, plantain chips are always an excellent choice.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 large green plantains
- Oil for frying (such as groundnut or coconut oil)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: spices such as paprika or garlic powder
Shopping for the ingredients
To make plantain chips you will need fresh plantains, which you can find in most supermarkets and African or Asian grocery shops. Look for fruit that is still green or only lightly ripe, as this gives the best texture for crisps. Choose a good-quality oil to bring out the distinctive flavour of the chips. Spices are entirely optional, but they can enrich the taste considerably — much as the seasoning does in a batch of Akara.
Preparing the dish
The first step in making plantain chips is to prepare the plantains. Give them a good wash and then peel them. Next, slice the plantains into thin rounds, using either a sharp knife or a mandoline. The thinner the slices, the crisper the finished chips will be. It is important to cut every slice to an even thickness so they all cook in the same amount of time.
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan over a medium heat.
- Carefully lower the plantain slices into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Lift the chips out of the oil and drain them on kitchen paper.
- Season the chips to taste with salt and any optional spices.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Plantain chips are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes them a brilliant snack for anyone with those allergies. You can season the chips however you like without worrying about hidden sources of gluten. That said, the spices you reach for matter too, so always check that they are gluten-free as well. With so few ingredients, these crisps are one of the easiest allergy-friendly treats you can make.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Plantain chips are a vegan and vegetarian snack highlight that everyone can enjoy. You are free to use a whole range of spices to tailor the flavour to your own liking. This makes it easy to shape the chips exactly to your preferences, in the same spirit as a plate of Banana Fritters. A lovely combination is a dusting of smoked paprika or a blend of Italian herbs.
More tips and tricks
To get the most crispness out of your plantain chips, make sure the oil is hot enough before you add the slices. If the temperature is too low, the chips will soak up the oil instead of turning crisp. An alternative method is baking the chips in the oven, which uses less oil and makes them even healthier — simply bake at 180°C until crisp. Working in small batches also helps every slice cook evenly.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
If you enjoy experimenting, you can adapt the classic plantain chip in all sorts of ways. Try different spice combinations to create new flavour experiences. You might scatter over toasted sesame seeds or a little cheese for a savoury version. Alternatively, a sweet variation with cinnamon and sugar works beautifully as a snack or even a light dessert.
Ingredient substitutions
If you fancy a little experimentation, there are several alternatives to the classic ingredients. Instead of groundnut oil you could use coconut oil or olive oil to give the chips a different character. When it comes to spices your imagination is the only limit — try chilli or cheese for a punchier snack. You can even swap the plantains for sweet potatoes for an interesting change, much like the twist in Baked Plantains.
Drink pairing ideas
Plantain chips go wonderfully with refreshing drinks. A cold beer or an African fruit juice such as banana juice complements the snack perfectly. Cocktails made with rum, or even a homemade ginger beer, could also make a great match. Try these combinations and discover what works best for your next snack night.
Serving and presentation ideas
An eye-catching presentation can turn your plantain chips into the highlight of any gathering. Serve the chips in colourful bowls or little paper cones and garnish them with fresh herbs or chillies for extra visual appeal. Small dishes of dips such as guacamole or a spicy sauce can lift the finger-food experience even further. That way your guests can mix and match just as the mood takes them.
A bit of history
Plantain chips have their roots in West African cooking and have been a popular part of the diet for centuries. The plantain is regarded as a staple food and is widely grown across many African countries. In Gambia, plantain chips often turn up at festive occasions and gatherings, and they sit comfortably alongside the country’s other beloved snacks within Gambian cuisine. Frying plantains is a traditional method of preparation that is both simple and filling, which is exactly why plantain chips have become a fixture in so many households.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Plantain Chips
Plantain chips are a simple and delicious snack that captures the flavours of West Africa. Their easy preparation and the sheer versatility of the seasoning make them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them during a cosy television session or as a party snack, they are always a hit. With the tips and tricks above, you can make and enjoy your very own batch of plantain chips.
