Banana Chips

Banana chips are a delicious and simple snack to make. Here is the recipe for crispy Italian-style banana chips.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but still firm bananas
• Lemon juice (to prevent the bananas from turning brown)
• Extra virgin olive oil or, for a more traditional version, coconut oil
• A pinch of salt
• (Optional) A sprinkling of brown sugar or cinnamon for a sweet version

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 100-120 °C (a low temperature will help dehydrate the bananas without burning them).
2. Peel the bananas and slice them thinly, trying to maintain an even thickness for even cooking.
3. Dip the banana slices in lemon juice for a few seconds to prevent oxidation.
4. Gently pat the slices dry with some kitchen paper.
5. Arrange the banana slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, taking care not to overlap them.
6. Lightly brush the banana slices with olive oil or coconut oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
7. (Optional) If you want a sweet version, sprinkle the slices with some brown sugar or cinnamon before baking.
8. Bake the bananas and let them dry for about 2-3 hours, turning them occasionally, until they become crispy.
9. Remove the banana chips from the oven and let them cool completely before eating. They will become even crisper as they cool.

Curiosity

Banana chips are a great way to use up bananas that are slightly too ripe to eat raw. Moreover, they serve as a healthy alternative to potato chips, especially if they’re baked and not added with sugar. They’re perfect as a snack or even as a topping for sweets and ice creams.