Coconut & Ricotta Dip with Banana Chips
Introduction
Dive into a tropical delight with this Coconut & Ricotta Dip served alongside crispy, homemade banana chips, a perfect appetizer for any gathering. This recipe melds the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the tropical essence of fresh coconut, balanced by the bright zing of lemon and fresh herbs. Paired with sweet banana chips, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with something unique and delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | 3, sliced |
| Lemon Juice | 1, freshly squeezed |
| Ricotta Cheese | ½ cup |
| Fresh Coconut | ½ cup, grated |
| Garlic | 1 clove, peeled and crushed |
| Parsley Leaves | 2 tablespoons, finely chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 100 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (approximately 120°C). This gentle heat will allow the banana slices to dry out slowly, ensuring they become perfectly crisp without burning.
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Prepare the Banana Chips: Take the ripe bananas and slice them thinly, aiming for uniform thickness for even cooking. Arrange these slices in a single layer on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
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Coat with Lemon Water: In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon with a little water. This mixture will not only enhance the flavor of the banana chips but also prevent browning. Lightly coat each banana slice with this lemon water.
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Bake the Banana Chips: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the banana slices for about 1 hour. Halfway through the baking process, check the slices and turn them to promote even drying. If after an hour the slices are still not crisp, continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
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Cool the Chips: Once the banana chips are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking pan. As they cool, they will firm up and become wonderfully crispy.
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Prepare the Coconut & Ricotta Dip: While the banana chips are cooling, you can prepare the dip. In a mixing bowl or using a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, grated coconut, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Blend or mash the mixture until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
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Serve: Once the banana chips have cooled and the dip is ready, arrange the crispy banana chips on a serving platter alongside a bowl of the coconut and ricotta dip.
Conclusion
This Coconut & Ricotta Dip with Banana Chips is not just a feast for the palate but also a treat for the eyes, with the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients and the golden crispiness of the banana chips. Perfect for parties, picnics, or even a quiet evening at home, this dish brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and herbal flavors, and watch as your guests come back for more!
