National Dish Cuba: Chicharritas (Recipe)
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Say hello to Chicharritas, Cuba’s answer to the humble crisp! These wafer-thin, golden plantain chips are fried until wonderfully crunchy and finished with nothing more than a scattering of salt. Simple, moreish and utterly addictive, they carry a proper taste of the Caribbean to your table. Serve them alongside a cool drink, pass them round at a party, or set them out with a bowl of salsa — however you do it, they rarely last long.
About Chicharritas
Chicharritas are a much-loved Cuban speciality made from thinly sliced, deep-fried green plantains. These crisp little snacks are not only quick and easy to prepare, they also bring the flavour of the Caribbean straight to your plate. They are often served with a range of dips, which makes them a versatile side dish as well as a hearty snack in their own right. Enjoy Chicharritas with a chilled drink or as part of a colourful spread at a celebration.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 firm green plantains
- Oil, for deep-frying
- Salt, to taste
- Seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Chicharritas you will need fresh green plantains, which are available in most large supermarkets and Latin American grocery shops. Make sure the plantains are still green, as ripe ones turn sweeter and far less crisp when fried. Choosing the right oil matters too — a neutral vegetable oil such as sunflower or groundnut oil is ideal for frying. These oils have a high smoke point and stand up beautifully to the heat of deep-frying.
Preparing the dish
Before you start frying your Chicharritas, peel the plantains thoroughly. Trim off both ends, then run a lengthways cut through the tough skin to loosen the flesh. Once peeled, slice the plantains into thin rounds, ideally around 1 cm thick — or thinner still for extra crunch. For particularly crisp chips, soak the sliced rounds in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes before frying.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep pan to a medium-high temperature.
- Fry the plantain slices in batches until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Lift the chips out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on kitchen paper.
- Season the still-hot Chicharritas with salt and any optional spices.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Good news for anyone with particular dietary needs: Chicharritas are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply use the ingredients listed above and avoid adding anything that might contain gluten or lactose. That makes them an ideal choice for people who need to watch what they eat or who have allergies. Enjoy these delicious snacks without a second thought!
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, Chicharritas are a brilliant snacking option too. They are made entirely from plant-based ingredients and can be seasoned exactly to your liking. Experiment with different spices such as chilli or cumin to vary the flavour. On the serving side, a vegan salsa or a bowl of guacamole makes a delicious partner — much like the fresh flavours of a good Ensalada De Aguacate.
More tips and tricks
For the perfect crunch, keep a close eye on the temperature of your oil. If it gets too hot, the chips can scorch on the outside while staying soft within. A kitchen thermometer helps you hit the ideal frying temperature of around 180 °C. It also pays not to tuck in the moment the chips come out of the pan — let them cool briefly so they hold on to their crispness.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Fancy a creative twist? Try finishing your Chicharritas with different seasonings. Beyond the classic spices, you can experiment with grated Parmesan or a plant-based cheese alternative. If you like a bit of heat, chilli flakes or a drizzle of sriracha make excellent additions. That way you can shape your Chicharritas exactly to your own taste — perfect for serving next to a plate of Tostones.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find green plantains, there are good alternatives such as sweet potato or yuca. These will bring a slightly different flavour but still give you that satisfying crisp texture, in the same spirit as a plate of Yuca Frita. Do bear in mind that cooking times can differ. The important thing is to work with the particular character of each substitute so you get the best possible result.
Drink pairing ideas
The perfect companions to Chicharritas are refreshing drinks such as a fruity mojito or an ice-cold lemonade. The chips also go wonderfully with a mango or pineapple smoothie for a tropical touch — try them with a Batido De Mango. Homemade iced teas infused with herbs are another excellent option. Feel free to experiment with different flavours until you find your favourite combination!
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your Chicharritas can really lift the whole experience. Serve the chips on a colourful plate or in an attractive bowl and garnish with fresh herbs. A small dish or two of dips such as salsa or guacamole rounds everything off nicely. Arranging the chips alongside a fresh salad also makes a great visual impression and adds a splash of colour to the table.
A bit of history
Chicharritas have their origins in Cuban cuisine and are deeply woven into the island’s cultural traditions. These snacks are a fine example of the creative way everyday staples are transformed in Cuban cooking, reflecting the varied flavours of the Caribbean. They are often a fixture at celebrations across Cuba, being both easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable when it comes to serving. Today they enjoy great popularity internationally too, turning up in many restaurants and at gatherings the world over.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Chicharritas
In short, Chicharritas are a delicious, crunchy snack that is as easy to prepare as it is guaranteed to bring a little Caribbean flair to any celebration. With just a handful of ingredients and a few creative seasonings, you can tailor these versatile chips to your heart’s content. Whether you serve them as a side or as the star of the snack table, Chicharritas are sure to be a hit. Let the flavours of Cuba win you over and enjoy this speciality to the full!
