Haitian fried plantains, known as “Bannann Peze,” are a popular snack or side dish that is both crispy and sweet. Made from green plantains, they are sliced and fried twice for a perfect texture. The first fry cooks the plantains, and the second fry crisps them up. These delicious plantains can be enjoyed alone or as part of a meal. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through preparing and cooking the perfect batch of Bannann Peze.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.
Haitian Fried Plantains Overview
Haitian Fried Plantains, or “Bannann Peze,” is a beloved snack in Haiti. This dish, a staple in Haitian cuisine, is enjoyed by people of all ages and is commonly found at street food vendors, restaurants, and special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Preparing and Cooking
Basic Ingredients
Haitian Fried Plantains require simple ingredients: green plantains, oil, and salt, with some recipes adding vinegar or sour orange juice for extra flavor. Peel and slice the plantains, fry until golden brown, flatten, and fry again for a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Selecting Plantains
When selecting plantains for Haitian Fried Plantains, it is important to choose ones that are green and firm to the touch. Avoid plantains that are overly ripe and have a lot of black spots, as they will not fry as well.
Slicing Techniques
To slice the plantains, first cut off the ends and score the skin lengthwise with a knife. Then, use your fingers to peel off the skin. Once the skin is removed, slice the plantain into 1/2-inch pieces at an angle. This will give the plantains a larger surface area to fry and create a crispy texture.
Frying Process
To fry the plantains, heat oil in a deep fryer or a pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the plantains until they turn a light brown color, then remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Haitian Fried Plantain
Ingredients
2 green plantains
2 cups water
1/4 cup white vinegar
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vinegar Soak:
In a bowl, mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
Peel the plantains and slice them into diagonal pieces, about 1/2 inch thick.
Soak the Plantains:
Place the plantain slices in the vinegar solution and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavor and crispiness of the fried plantains.
First Fry:
After soaking, remove the plantain slices from the vinegar solution and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly golden brown.
Remove the partially fried plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Using a plantain press, the bottom of a heavy glass, or a flat utensil, flatten each partially cooked plantain slice.
Second Fry:
Increase the heat to medium-high and return the flattened plantains to the hot oil.
Fry the plantains for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or spatula to transfer the fried plantains to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Season and Serve:
Sprinkle the fried plantains with salt to taste while they are still hot.
Serve the crispy and flavorful Haitian Fried Plantains warm as a side dish or snack.
Airfryer Haitian Plantain Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
After soaking, remove the plantain slices from the vinegar solution and pat them dry with paper towels.
Lightly mist the plantain slices with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil
Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd
Air fry the plantains at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy
Sprinkle the air-fried plantains with salt to taste while they are still hot
Serve the crispy and flavorful Haitian Fried Plantains warm as a side dish or snack
Serving Suggestions
Haitian Fried Plantains are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. They pair well with a variety of dishes, including Haitian griot, rice and beans, and fried fish. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some salt or Haitian Epis seasoning on top of the plantains before serving.
Overall, making Haitian Fried Plantains is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this traditional Haitian dish. With the right selection of plantains, slicing techniques, and frying process, you can create a crispy and flavorful snack that is sure to impress your guests.
Savor the taste of the Caribbean with our air fryer Haitian Fried Plantains recipe! With just a few simple steps and the convenience of your air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden plantain slices infused with the vibrant flavors of Haiti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Haitian fried plantains are a popular snack or side dish in Haiti.
- They are made from green plantains that are sliced and fried twice.
- To make the perfect batch of Bannann Peze, you’ll need to soak the plantains, fry them twice, and season them with salt.
Whether as a side dish or a flavorful snack, these air-fried delights are sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with every bite. Experience the perfect blend of savory and sweet in this deliciously authentic Haitian dish, all made with the ease and efficiency of your air fryer.
Leave a Reply