Sweet & Salty Banana Chips

As I mentioned yesterday, I am on the hunt for healthy snack ideas. I used to absolutely love plantain chips. I went through a major plantain chips phase while I was living in Los Angeles about four years ago. I haven't found any at my local grocery store here in southern Missouri (if you local folks know of some, leave me a comment please!), so I thought I'd try making my own. I couldn't find any fresh plantains either. Sigh. So I tried banana chips instead.I don't know all the differences between plantains and bananas. But I do know that plantains are a lot firmer and therefore a little easier to cook with. To try and compensate I decided to buy bananas that were still a little under ripe, a little green around the edges. I also thought that since bananas are naturally a little sweeter I might try adding a contrasting flavor, such as black pepper. I am happy to report that these are absolutely delicious and nearly sweet enough to call them dessert but still super healthy.Sweet & Salty Banana Chips

2 under ripe bananas
1/4 cup brown sugar
coarse grain sea salt + black pepperFirst slice your bananas thin. Next coat them in a little brown sugar on both sides. You really don't need a lot of sugar here. And be sure to watch out for clumps. Lay the dipped banana slices on a baking sheet lined with a silpat mat and a little olive oil. Now sprinkle on the coarse grain sea salt and cracked black pepper.Bake at 400°F for 16-20 minutes. Every oven is a little different so be sure to keep an eye on these! You want the edges to begin to get crispy but the centers will still be a little soft and chewy. It would be very easy to burn or undercook them (mushy, no good!), so be sure to keep an eye on them.These are best (and the most crisp) the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. No need to refrigerate. Enjoy and happy snacking! xo. Emma

P.S. Want other delicious fruit-based recipes? Check out: fruit cobbler (three ways!), baked fruit, bourbon apple pie, ice cream made from bananas, citrus bars (three ways!) and citrus salad. 

Comments

[Keri-Anne]

Oh gosh, these sound and look wonderful!

Keri-Anne
http://gingerlillytea.blogspot.com

[Stephanie May*]

I am a huge sucker for store-bought banana chips, and my husband and I tried to make some in a dehydrator, and we had quite a rude awakening when they were chewy and not crunchy. We then read that store-bought banana chips are actually fried!!! So much for trying to be healthy right?! But these look a bit better - health wise, and I love the combo of salty and sweet:)

Love,
Stephanie May*

http://www.maydae.com

[Kamile]

Looks delicious:)

[Kate]

Oh these looks super yummy! I may have to whip some up for work munchies!

http://whiskeybreakfast.blogspot.com

[Sarah]

YUM!!! These look amazing. Will be making them as soon as possible.

http://sarahthearchitect.com/

[Lara]

To be honest I'm not that big of a fan of bananas, but this looks pretty tasty! I would love to give it a try sometime soon.

http://sincerelylara.com

[carol]

goooooosh definitelly LOOKS yummy !!!!
xo

http://franchemeetsfashion.blogspot.cz/

[Carlee]

Ooooh, these look good! And dairy-free! Hmmmm....I may have to get cooking soon.

[Pixie]

Oh sounds and looks delicious!

[Somebody from Somewhere]

Gosh these look delicious

http://somebodyfromsomewhere.blogspot.com/

[Tifa]

They look so delish.
Anyone know what a good brown sugar substitute (paleo) would be?

<3

[Anouka]

I love bananas! A great new way to enjoy one of my favourite fruits.

LUXESSED

[Talia Christine]

Salty banana chips! Of COURSE! Why haven't I tried this before?!

♥ Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com

[Courtney Kennedy]

These look so yummy. I'm in the Springfield area and my room mate just bought plantain chips at Wal Mart the other day, they were near the fruits and vegetables. Also, I have found plantains locally as well, which I am a huge fan of.

-Courtney

[Dinah Gacon]

Looks delicious!!!!! I love bananas and will definitely be trying this out!!

xo Dinah @ sunshine super glam

[Kat]

Wow!! These looks AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! (and I'm not a fan of bananas)

[Emma]

Courtney Kennedy - Walmart you say. This is excellent news for me. :) Thank you!

[Sarah]

Yum! I love this! So easy to make too. I wonder if they would be good in ice cream.

[Jennifer]

Those sound interesting!

xo Jennifer

http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

[Eva]

Yummy!! Definitely going to try this out! xx

www.creativityandchocolate.com