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Crispy and flavorful fried balls made from ripe plantains, optionally filled with spicy Haitian pikliz. They can be soft or crunchy depending on plantain ripeness, making a tasty appetizer or snack.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12-16 balls depending on size 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 plantains (yellow ripe or green/yellow semi-ripe)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Haitian pikliz for filling (optional)
  • Oil for deep frying (enough to fully submerge the balls)

Instructions

  1. If plantains are very green, let them sit at room temperature until they soften and start to show yellow.
  2. Grind plantains in a food processor until they form a mashed or crumbly mixture.
  3. Add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and mix to season the plantain mash.
  4. Scoop a portion of the mash and gently press it flat in your palm.
  5. Add optional filling (e.g., Haitian pikliz) onto the flattened mash.
  6. Seal and shape the mash around the filling into balls, or use a cookie scoop for very ripe, soft mash.
  7. Heat enough oil in a deep pot or fryer to fully submerge the balls and bring to hot frying temperature.
  8. Gently drop the shaped or scooped balls into the hot oil.
  9. Deep-fry the balls until they turn golden brown.

Notes

For a soft and chewy texture, use fully yellow ripe plantains., For a crunchier exterior, use green/yellow semi-ripe plantains., Alternative fillings can include shredded cheese, spiced ground meat, black beans with fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of spicy mayo., Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder, ground cumin, chopped green onions, or cayenne pepper to the mash., For extra crunch, roll balls in panko breadcrumbs or crushed plantain chips before frying., Air-frying at 350°F (175°C) or baking at 375°F (190°C) are healthier alternatives to deep frying., Store cooked balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days., Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or air fryer for 3-6 minutes to restore crispiness., Freeze cooked balls for up to one month; reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer., Mashing plantains can be done up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; shaped balls hold well refrigerated for a few hours before frying.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: Approximately 90 calories per ball (varies with size and frying oil)
  • Fat: 3.5 grams per ball
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams per ball
  • Protein: 1 gram per ball