Baked Plantain Fries

If I could eat with my eyes, I would gain 20 pounds just looking at these golden, crunchy baked plantain fries. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to – just eat with my eyes, I mean, or gain the 20 pounds. I could eat them hot out of the oven and not feel guilty at all because they are baked. Even better, I know plantains are great for me and packed with fiber, so weight gain, buh-bye. Plantains, here in the United States, are often associated with Latin-American cuisine. But they are widely eaten in India as well. My mom would coat them in spices, dredge them in some sooji or cream of wheat, and pan-fry the plantains to golden perfection, like in this roasted plantains recipe. I sometimes make roasted plantain chips to eat with dinner or for a snack. In south India, plantains are made into a tasty curry tossed with spices. Because plantains have a high starch content, they are perfect for roasting in the oven. The natural sugars in the plantains caramelize and turn the fries golden brown and crispy on the outside, while keeping them tender on the inside. The delicious flavor of plantains is a great reason to chow down on them, but if you need others, there are many: Check to get new recipe updates by email.

-Plantains are a great source of Vitamins A and C and potassium, making them very heart-friendly food. You could, in other words, “heart” plantains and really mean it! -They are packed with fiber, and therefore great for your digestive system. -They are a decent source of calcium, which keeps your teeth and bones healthy. Try these the next time you get a hankering for a plate of fries but don’t want the associated guilt. Happy cooking!