If you’ve ever traveled to Cuba, Miami or had traditional Cuban street food that somewhat resembled chips, then you’ve probably had mariquitas also known as plantain chips.
But what are they, where did they come from, and how can you make them at home?
Mariquitas, also known as Cuban plantain chips, is a traditional snack food that resembles a type of chip. They’re fried in hot oil and lightly salted and enjoyed by many. These Cuban chips are crunchy and made from plantains, a banana plant with a very different taste than bananas.
The rest of this article will explain further what Mariquitas are, how they’re made, the history of this tasty Cuban food, and the best plantain chip recipes for you to try at home.
What Are Mariquitas?
Mariquitas are crunchy with a chip-like texture. They’re a delicious snack that’s so popular that it has migrated from Cuba and now is shared and manufactured in Florida. However, authentic Mariquitas are fresh and are a favorite among food lovers.
These chips are made from plantains, which are a plant in the banana family but aren’t sweet.
Plantains play a prominent role in the Latin community.
They are used in numerous traditional dishes such as tostones, platanos maduros, pastelón and mofongo just to name a few.
To make mariquitas the plantains are cut into either thin slices or circular shape and are fried, and salted, which are very similar to a potato chip.
This snack is widely recognized as one of the best street foods in Cuba and processed for cooking.
These authentic snacks are commonly shared from generation to generation.
The History of Mariquitas, the Cuban Plantain Chip
Many street vendors sell these delicious snacks and incorporate this food with lunches and side platters.
Several brands have made this snack their own by using different seasonings and flavors, such as sweet garlic, chili, and BBQ.
Mariquitas is a typical snack among Cubans, as it’s a popular street food sold by many street vendors and shops.
These chips have been a part of the culture for many years.
Mariquitas even traveled with many Cubans who brought the food favorite to Florida.
Many Cuban families enjoy these chips with everyday lunches or as a Cuban side dish with other foods.
Mariquitas Recipe
There are many different recipes for Mariquitas, but authentic recipes include fresh, green plantains, and other delicious ingredients.
Picking the right plantain is very important.
There are a few different ways to cook and enjoy Mariquitas.
What you’ll need:
- Green plantains (very green if possible)
- Canola or peanut oil
- Salt or other seasonings
- Olive oil
- Garlic mash
- Sour orange juice or lime juice
- Cumin powder
- Salt and pepper
Pour oil into a deep pan, peel the plantains, and slice them lengthwise as thinly as you can, then slide them into the hot oil in small batches.
Fry them until golden brown or as crispy as desired.
Cool before serving.
You may also want to create a sauce to dip your Mariquitas in.
That can be a traditional mojo sauce which most Cubans prefer or with guacamole or whatever you choose.
If you decide to make any sauce for your dip, then you may need to know that some dips can take many hours to complete.
You can also change up your ingredients for a different taste or texture.
Some people don’t wish to fry their chips, but instead, prefer to bake them. It’s up to you and your freedom of choice.
However you decide to make mariquitas be sure to store them properly if you don’t eat them in one sitting.
To keep them fresh and crunchy simply place them in a zip lock bag until you’re ready for some more.
If you’re interested in ordering authentic Cuban food, consider your purchase at Amigofoods.com.
Conclusion
Mariquitas is a fantastic, delicious Cuban snack that can be made in many different ways.
It’s authentic street food and is well known in Cuban culture.
Many variations of this snack exist and are enjoyed by many.
You can even buy these pre-made plantain chips with different flavors such as garlic, BBQ, and many others.
While you can buy Mariquitas in bags, or virtually every Cuban restaurant in Miami, the best kind is homemade or by street vendors.
You can make sauces that compliment the dish.
Enjoy authentic Mariquitas and invite a small slice of Cuba into your home.
Sources
- QuericaVida: Cuban Mariquitas
- Cuban Recipes: Plantain Chips with Garlic Sauce
- Mariquitas Chips: Home
- Just a Pinch Recipes: Chicharitas Or Mariquitas (Cuban Plantain Chips)
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.