Plantain Or Balekai Chips

Ingredients:
- 2-3 raw plantains (green bananas)
- Oil for frying (coconut oil, sunflower oil, or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional spices (chili powder, black pepper, chaat masala)
Instructions:
1. *Preparation:*
- Peel the plantains. To make this easier, cut off both ends and make a few slits along the length of the plantain. Then, use your fingers or a knife to peel off the skin.
- Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the plantains into thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
2. *Soaking:*
- Transfer the banana slices to a mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder and salt to taste.
- Add enough water to cover the slices and let them soak for 15 minutes.
- After soaking, drain the water and pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps to remove any excess starch and ensures the chips become crispy when fried.
3. *Frying:*
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. You need enough oil to submerge the plantain slices.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add a handful of plantain slices. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the plantain slices until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. *Draining:*
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. *Seasoning:*
- While the chips are still hot, sprinkle them with any additional desired spices (chili powder, black pepper, chaat masala, etc.).
- Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, you can bake the plantain chips. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the plantain slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make sure to choose green, unripe plantains for a crunchy texture. Ripe plantains will result in a sweeter, softer chip.
Enjoy your enhanced homemade plantain chips with the added turmeric flavor and color!