Thursday, September 3, 2009

Plantain Chips and Cuban/Mexican Grilled Corn

Plantain Chips

As I mentioned a lot of the dishes I served at the 24, 24, 24 party were very meat-centric, but I also had a few vegetarian options. The rice and beans I posted the other day were vegetarian as were these treats. I had originally planned on making tostones, but as the day and heat wore on, we decided we didn't have the time or energy for a second round of frying so we went with plantain chips. I have been eating plantains since I was in the womb so I love them every which way, but my favorite way to enjoy them is those roasted chips they so conveniently sell at Trader Joes. These were fried so not as healthy, but still tasty and simple to make.

Cuban/Mexian Grilled Corn

We also served up some grilled corn once the party got going. Actually, Dan was the one who took care of all the grilling and I just got the toppings ready. I think I have had cotija cheese before in salads or something, but I loved the salty bite with the sweet corn, and I have never really been a fan of corn. A sprinkling of chili powder and a squeeze of lime was all that was needed to make this a fresh accompaniment to some of the heavier dishes. Just a note, I have never grilled corn myself in my life, I am pretty sure the directions below are what Dan did to make it good.

Plantain Chips

Makes a lot of chips

7-8 plantains, peeled and sliced to 1/4-inch thickness
Canola oil for frying
Salt

In a large pot or deep fryer, preheat the oil to 350 degrees. Add a few of the sliced plantains, but not too many so that they don't stick together. Fry 8-10 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with salt immediately. Serve cooled.

Printable recipe

Cuban/Mexican Grilled Corn

Corn
Butter
Grated Cotija cheese
Lime wedges
Chili powder or ground cayenne pepper

Preheat the grill to high. Slather each piece of corn with butter and wrap in tinfoil. Grill until the corn is tender, turning every few minutes. Sprinkle the corn with the cheese and dust with chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.

Printable recipe

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19 comments:

Maria said...

Love those chips and sweet corn is so good right now. I can't get enough!

Erica said...

I want to try the plantain chips! I wonder if you could bake them too....hmm gotta get on that :) thanks for the idea Esi and thank you for the birthday wishes!

Anonymous said...

So not healthy, but ohhhhh so good. ;)

Jenn said...

Woohoo...Plaintain chips are so good!! Whenever I see them I take a big bagful. They're really perfect snacks.


btw, I eat my corn cobs the same way too!! 8-D

Diana said...

I've never thought about cheesing my corn. I put cheese and corn together in salads, but it never occurred to me to apply it directly! I'm going to have to try this Miss Esi. :)

vanillasugarblog said...

remember I said I wanted that piece of corn in the middle with all the junk on it? still do. LOL

lisaiscooking said...

Both the plantain chips and grilled corn look completely addictive!

Chef Fresco said...

Oh man, how brilliant! I want some!!

Reeni said...

So delicious! The corn looks amazing!

kellypea said...

I still have never had plantains in any form but have always wanted to try them. This seems like a great way to begin. And I think you know how much I swoon over corn like that. Gorgeous photography!

pixen said...

yumm yumm yummm, I love Banana Chips or Plantain chips. Your recipe for it it's a keeper! Sometimes, I came across some chips that are natural sweet...no sugar added as most commercial Plantain chips were.

I love grilled corn as well. Of course, I don't find Mexican Corns in my country but Japanese Sweet Corn abundant! It's either steamed or grilled :-)

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Oh my that must have been so good. I would love to try Plantain Chips someday.

Mary Bergfeld said...

This is one of those meals that is so visually appealing it makes you forget what's good and what's bad.

Unknown said...

ooh my, those dishes look fabulous!!! i'd gobble them right up now :)

Alicia Foodycat said...

I like the idea of cheese and lime and chilli on the corn! Much better than plain. I'm a recent convert to the plantain, but I really like them.

Kerstin said...

Yum, what a feast - I LOVE plantain chips (I'm actually making some today!).

RickyRae said...

I love tostones!! Do you have any recipes for a dipping sauce for them?

Esi said...

Hi Ricky, I don't have any dipping recipes, but I think the chips would go well with a nice spicy hummus.

RickyRae said...

Mmmmmmm.... I do love hummus!!! :)