Green Banana (Matooke) Chips

Last week I took a quick trip to the west and was amazed by the endless banana farms we passed. Rolling fields of matooke in Bushenyi!! On the way back we brought with us a full bunch because they are cheaper in price and not to mention you can get the best matooke there. This recipe idea was conceived while I was knee-deep (not literally) in peeling matooke to prepare katogo. I did make the katogo but these chips went faster than the katogo.

Trust me this is restaurant level amazing! I cannot believe I never tried this before.  I am going to attempt describing the flavours that are at play here.  A base of crispy fried savory green banana chips topped with sweet mushy avocado, drizzled with slightly tangy ketchup, sprinkled with crunchy fresh purple onions and finally sprinkled with a generous amount of nutty roasted simsim seeds. There you have an epic meal/ snack easily.

What you will need:

Chips

4 Large green bananas, peeled and washed

1 C. Breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp. Salt

1 Tsp black pepper, ground

1 Tsp. Water

Oil for frying

 

Garnish

1 Small avocado

Ketchup

2 Small purple onions

Roasted simsim

Observations:

1. Use firm green bananas that are not on the verge of ripening
2. The bananas release a sticky fluid when rested at room temperature.
3. Fry the chips on medium heat to avoid burning before they are fully cooked
4. Fry the chips in small batches to keep them from getting soggy.
5. Use a very ripe avocado

 

Method

Chips

1. Drain the peeled washed bananas. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the bananas into chips. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, add the banana chips and the one teaspoon of water. Mix the chips till the water coats them all.
3. In a small bowl, add the bread crumbs, salt and pepper and mix well. Using a fork, coat each banana chip with bread crumbs and set aside.
4. Heat the oil on medium heat. Add the chips. Fry till golden brown and crispy.

To assemble

On a plate with a clean paper or paper towel, place the chips, scoop ripe avocado on top, add sliced onion rings, drizzle with ketchup and finally sprinkle with roasted simsim. Serve  warm

Let me know when you try these chips

🙂

Sophie