Cheap Fun for Foodies

I just got back from my local Asian market, and OH MY GOODNESS it's so much fun! So many things that are hard to find at a "regular" grocery store are happily abundant, and for much less than if you were to purchase them elsewhere. The rice noodles for example, are $1.17 for 14 oz, compared to 3-5 dollars at other stores. Young Thai coconuts, kaffir lime leaves, vegetarian Tom Yum paste (yay!), egg less won ton and spring roll wrappers - notoriously difficult to locate - I could go on and on. Miso paste is also a great buy at these places...just check your ingredients...some of the miso had MSG and other grossness added! I found one brand that was made from organic, non-gmo soybeans, with no additives. It was available in red and white, and the large tubs are only 3 and a half dollars. I'm sorry I can't quit quoting prices, but for anyone who is on a budget and also buys unconventional ingredients, this is such an exciting thing. :)

They had plantains and I bought some just for fun. I've never fried plantains before and it's very simple and delicious. I didn't take pictures because Evi and I devoured them while they were nice and hot, dipped in agave-sweetened ketchup. Mmmmmmm.

Fried Plantains (hardly a recipe)

3-4 greenish yellow plantains
oil for frying (safflower or coconut if you can afford the luxury of frying in it)
salt

Wash the plantains before you slice them open. (Who knows where they've been.) Cut into halves or thirds, and score just through the skin, in three or four places down the length of the banana pieces. Peel off the skins. Cut the bananas into discs about an inch long or so. Heat a half inch of oil over med-high heat (to 350) and fry the bananas til golden, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to paper towels, and smash the bananas so they become 1/2 inch thick discs. I used a bit mug for this; a meat pounder thingy would be good too, if you have one. (If they crumble, they need to cook a little while longer before you smash them.) Return the bananas to the oil and fry a few more minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Eat hot with ketchup or salsa...mango or peach salsa would be just insane. Or try stirring a little chopped chipotle pepper into your ketchup.

You have to try this!