Best 4 Little Spiders Fried Shredded Plantains Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Costa Rican cuisine with "Little Spiders": a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These crispy, shredded plantains, known as "Arañitas" in Spanish, are a beloved street food and a staple in traditional Costa Rican homes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Costa Rica as you explore the diverse recipes presented in this article. From the classic Arañitas recipe, featuring a simple blend of spices and herbs, to the adventurous Arañitas Rellenas, stuffed with savory fillings like cheese and refried beans, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. Whether you prefer the simplicity of traditional Arañitas or the culinary adventure of stuffed plantains, this article has something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your passion for cooking, and prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of Costa Rica with these irresistible "Little Spiders."
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
LITTLE SPIDERS (FRIED SHREDDED PLANTAINS)
These are known as Arañitas in Puerto Rican cuisine, which translates to "little spiders". This is a delicious fried snack that my kids love. I like to serve them with a mayonnaise and ketchup dip. Plantains offer a nice break from traditional fried potatoes. Plantains are showing up in more and more supermarkets. There are two...
Provided by Jacinda Santiago
Categories Vegetables
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. To peel the plantains start bu slicing off both ends. Cut a lengthwise slit through the plantain, cutting only as deep as the peel. Then insert the edge of the knife closest to the handle into the slit and lift way the peel. The peel may come off in sections. Use your knife to scrape away any remnants of peel from the plantain.
- 2. Coarsely grate the plantains using the grater attachment on your food processor or a hand grater.
- 3. Place the grated plantain in a bowl of salted water and soak for 10 minutes.
- 4. Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves.
- 5. Drain the grated plantain and dry with paper towels.
- 6. Mix the grated plantain with the garlic and add salt & pepper to taste. You can omit the salt and/or sprinkle it on after they are cooked.
- 7. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the grated plantains by scooping spoonfuls into the fryer.
- 8. Fry the plantains for about 5 minutes until golden and drain on paper towels.
- 9. To make the optional dipping sauce: mix the ketchup & mayonnaise together and serve with the little spiders.
ARANITAS (SHREDDED GREEN PLANTAIN PATTIES)
Another quick and fun way of preparing green plantains, aranitas (little spiders) come out really crunchy and look so pretty on the plate. Remember to season them as soon as they come out of the oil. Traditionally served with mayo-ketchup (1:1 ratio blend of mayonnaise and ketchup with fresh pressed garlic or garlic powder to taste).
Provided by LatinaCook
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Heat canola oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Gather about 2 tablespoons of shredded plantains and shape into patties.
- Fry the patties in the preheated oil until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with garlic salt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.8 g, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 909.7 mg, Sugar 13.4 g
MINI SPIDER BITES
These little cupcakes are almost too sweet to eat! Let the kids help you assemble the charmers and you can teach a science lesson, too-what a great way to teach that all spiders have eight legs! -Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 25m
Yield varies.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Generously frost cupcakes with chocolate frosting; add M&M's for noses. Top with chocolate sprinkles., Insert tip #7 into a pastry bag; fill with vanilla frosting and pipe spider's eyes. Add M&M's for pupils. Cut black licorice into 2-in. pieces; attach eight legs to each cupcake.
Nutrition Facts :
SWEET PLANTAIN FRIES
Like maduros or dodo, these feature ripe plantains, but the cut here gives even more room for crisp, caramelized outsides and sweet, tender insides. You want very ripe plantains, which are high in sugars that will caramelize in the hot oil. For some brightness, you could also finish this with citrus salt, or take a cue from dodo and squeeze lime juice over. Pair these with something light and spicy, like jerk salmon or a citrusy roast chicken, or something light off the grill, like a salmon or turkey burger.
Provided by Millie Peartree
Categories snack, finger foods, vegetables, appetizer, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Use a paring knife to cut a slit along the length of the plantains, carefully avoiding cutting into the flesh. Remove and discard peels. Slice plantains in half crosswise, then quarter each piece lengthwise into 4 wedges. (Each piece should be about the size of a chunky fry.)
- Pour about 1½ inch of neutral oil into a medium Dutch oven or high-sided cast-iron skillet and heat over medium. When the oil shimmers (it should be around 350 degrees), fry the plantains in batches until golden brown, flipping carefully with a slotted spoon, about 3 minutes and up to 6 minutes. (If any of the plantains stick to the bottom of the pot at first, release them carefully so they do not burn.) The plantains should be caramelized and slightly crisp at the edges but still tender in the middle.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season with salt to taste and repeat with remaining plantains. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose ripe plantains that are yellow with a few black spots for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to peel the plantains before slicing them.
- To make the plantains crispy, fry them in hot oil over medium-high heat.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the plantains, or they will not cook evenly.
- Season the plantains with salt and pepper to taste, or experiment with other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Serve the plantains hot as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
Conclusion:
Little Spiders, also known as Fried Shredded Plantains, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. With their crispy texture and savory flavor, Little Spiders are a popular dish in many parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will help you create a delicious and authentic dish that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your oil, and get ready to make some Little Spiders!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
