Fried breadfruit is a delightful and versatile dish that originates from the tropical regions of the world, particularly in the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa. 
Breadfruit is a starchy fruit with a texture reminiscent of potatoes and a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
When fried, it transforms into a crispy, golden delight that can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or even a main course. This dish is not only delicious but also an excellent source of energy and essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
1- 1 ripe breadfruit
2- Vegetable oil for frying
3- Salt to taste
4- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or your preferred spices
Instructions:
Selecting the Breadfruit:
- Choose a ripe breadfruit that is firm but yields slightly to gentle pressure. It should have a green or yellowish-green skin with minimal blemishes.
Preparation:
- Wash the breadfruit thoroughly.
- Cut off both ends of the breadfruit and then make a shallow vertical slit down the length of the fruit's skin.
- Carefully remove the skin by peeling it away in sections or using a knife.
Cutting and Soaking:
- Cut the peeled breadfruit into desired shapes, such as wedges, slices, or cubes.
- Place the cut breadfruit pieces in a bowl of salted water to prevent browning and to add some flavor. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes.
Draining and Seasoning:
- Drain the soaked breadfruit and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Season the breadfruit with salt and any optional seasonings of your choice. This is where you can get creative by adding flavors like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Carefully add the seasoned breadfruit pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried breadfruit from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving:
- Serve the fried breadfruit hot and crispy as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or a tropical fruit salsa.
- Alternatively, you can enjoy fried breadfruit as a snack or pair it with a main course for a unique and delicious meal.
Fried breadfruit is a delightful treat that captures the flavors of the tropics. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or a main course, its crispy texture and versatile taste make it a favorite in many cultures around the world.
nutritional values:
Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients commonly used in fried breadfruit:
1. Ripe Breadfruit (1 cup, cooked):
- Calories: 227
- Carbohydrates: 59 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 11.2 grams
- Sugars: 11.4 grams
- Protein: 2.6 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Vitamin C: 65% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Potassium: 739 milligrams (21% DV)
- Vitamin A: 1% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
2. Vegetable Oil for Frying (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Vitamin E: 6% DV
3. Salt (1 teaspoon):
- Sodium: 2,325 milligrams (96% DV)
4. Optional Seasonings (1 teaspoon of each, approximate values):
Garlic Powder:
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
Paprika:
- Calories: 6
- Total Fat: 0.3 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
Cayenne Pepper:
- Calories: 6
- Total Fat: 0.3 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 1.3 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the breadfruit, the amount of oil used for frying, and the specific seasonings and spices you choose. Additionally, frying can add extra calories and fat to the dish, so it's essential to consume fried breadfruit in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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