Crispy Baked Pili Pili Cassava Chips

Crispy Baked Pili Pili Cassava Chips by Chinskitchen

Pili Pili in Swahili means pepper whether it is birds eye, or capsicum. Recently I have craved more picky foods rather than proper meals maybe it’s the weather or the fact that we all have had the horrid cold and eating something spicy wakes up my taste buds. Cassava is a popular and staple food back in Africa and it takes me back to my childhood in Mombasa where I spent 12 years of my life before moving to the UK. As a child our favourite spot was the Lighthouse, a place which was packed  with families and friends enjoying a good natter whilst consuming fresh coconut water, fried cassava crisps, fried or charcoal roasted cassava and roasted corn on the cob. All of this whilst absorbing the lovely views, listening to the sound of ocean and light wind blowing across your face what more could you want. For a few years baking cassava chips to perfection where its crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside has been relished by many of my guests whether they are family or friends.This version of Pili Pili Cassava chips is one that I concocted as the addition of garlic, onion etc really enhances the flavours.

Crispy Baked Pili Pili Cassava Chips

Serves:6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50minutes

Ingredients:
1kg Frozen cassava chips/fries
3-4 Tbsp Oil

Pili Pili Mix:
1 Tbsp Dried coriander leaves
1/2 Tsp Paprika
1/2 Tsp Garlic granules
1 Tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 Tsp Onion powder
1 Tsp Salt
1/4 Tsp Turmeric powder
1/4 Tsp Red chilli flakes

Method:

1. In a pan of boiling water, add the frozen cassava chips and boil for 10-15 minutes, poke a knife through a chip and it should go through without difficulty. Be careful not to over boil or else it will get mushy.

2. Once boiled, drain the water and let cassava chips cool down, once cool enough to handle, take one chip at a time and slice lengthways and in half to get smaller pieces.

3. Pre heat the oven to 200 degree C, place the cassava chips in a baking tray, pour the oil over the chips and sprinkle spice as required and mix until well coated.

4. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy, half way through make sure to turn them.

Enjoy these healthy and crispy chips with a dip or on their own with a squeeze of lime.