Mariquitas with Mojo de Ajo (plantain chips with garlic mojo) is hands down my favorite appetizer of all time. Where ever I go and it’s on the menu, I order it. Now, there are many different types of mojos de ajo out there, but the BEST one ever is from Casa Romeu in Hialeah. They have this citrus garlic mojo that I haven’t been able to find at any other Cuban restaurant. But after many years, I think I have finally replicated it or at least came super close to it. I remember once asking what is the key to their mojo recipe, and they once told me Sunny D Light, but I think they were trying to through me off.
Their mariquitas are so good, that for our Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) we would order like 10 bags of mariquitas and mojo, and while everyone else is walking out of the restaurant with their pre-ordered lechon (pork), I would be walking out of there with huge brown bags full of mariquitas and a gallon of their mojo. It’s just so freaking good. Getting those nice crispy mariquitas, then drenching them in that liquid gold. God, I miss it so much.
The garlic mojo is extremely easy to make and frying the plantain chips takes minutes. It’s definitely the perfect appetizer to have any in party…or on a daily basis at home while watching Netflix. But, I warn you, they’re addicting.
Equipment
- Mandolin (see below)
- Fryer (see below)
Ingredients
- 4 Green Plantains Platano verde
- Salt
- Oil
Instructions
- Heat up oil over the stove or in a deep fryer to 375°F.
- Meanwhile, using a mandoline or a knife, cut the plantains into long thin strips.
- Add the plantain strips into the hot oil and cook for about 1 minute and 30-45 seconds, or into the strips become gold and crunchy. You may add as many strips as you can into the fryer, just becareful not to overcrowd the oil so you can get a nice even crisp.
- Once done, place on a plate lined with paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Garlic Press
Ingredients
- 1 Lime
- 1 Lemon
- ½ Orange
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Squeeze the lime, lemon and the half of an orange into a bowl. Using a garlic press, add the garlic. Add the salt and mix.
- Pour everything cause its SOOOO GOOD!!
