(no subject)

[petermarcus]

The last year or so, I've been trying off and on to make "hashbrowns" from plantain. I figure, if plantain chips are something like a more robust potato chip, I can shred the plantain and make a more robust hashbrown. Each time I try though, I end up with a shredded mash that falls apart, half crispy and half chewy.

I wonder if I wash the shredded plantain first, to get rid of some of the outer starch, sort of like you do with french fries once they've been cut from the potato. Similarly, there may be an issue with heat control. Maybe really fast cooking, smoking hot? I was thinking the other way, almost blanching first, but that might make everything fall apart more easily, if the centers are cooked before the sear on the outside can hold everything together.

Anyway, I decided to do a Google search on "plantain hash browns" and the second link was one of my own attempts, documented at FotoCuisine.com. I guess it's not a common thing to do!

Comments

[kitchenbeard.livejournal.com]

Think about your moisture content. One of the traditional ways of making latkes is to wring out the shredded potato in a dish towel. This concentrtes the starches into the binding agent you want. Then also consider adding an egg yolk as another binder.

[petermarcus.livejournal.com]

The egg yolk is a good idea. I'm worried that wringing it will just make a whole plantain again -- it's so sticky and soft. I think you're right that the moisture is what I have to control. Maybe draining/drying in a strainer in the fridge for a while, sort of like draining yogurt or ricotta. Or on some paper towels.

[gravity.livejournal.com]

I think I have heard of blanching potatoes first. Not sure. Sounds good though. When you get it right I'll have mine scattered, smothered and covered please.

[petermarcus.livejournal.com]

Maybe I should ask Waffle House how they do their potatoes :)

[gravity.livejournal.com]

They certainly have a lot of experience.

[minouette.livejournal.com]

Dumb question- but fried plantain is so good, why mess with it? I mean it serves the same sort of purpose in a meal as hash browns.

[petermarcus.livejournal.com]

It's a texture thing, and also presentation -- if I could cook them the way I want, I could lay a piece of fish over the crispy shredded plantain and there would be a contrast of texture. I might also be able to shape it over a bowl, curve it down and use it to hold some food, like a little nest or edible bowl.

[tankagirl.livejournal.com]

not hashbrowns, but definitely interesting:
http://thenoshery.com/2009/06/01/pastelon-sweet-plaintain-lasagna/

[petermarcus.livejournal.com]

Man, that looks wonderful!