Fried Plantains (Dodo, Aloco)

Plantains are similar to Banana both belonging to the genus Musa. In contrast to banana which is soft and eaten in its raw form, plantains are usually cooked before they are eaten. Its cooking varies with choice and it is usually the case that the prevalence of one cooking method over another varies amongst different groups of people.  They can be boiled, roasted, baked or simply fried. Furthermore, they can be served as a snack, a starter or an addition or side dish to a main course such as Jollof rice.

Here, we describe the simple steps to follow if you are trying this dish out for the first time.

Ingredients

Ripe plantains

Cooking oil (Sunflower oil, Vegetable, Groundnut oil, Palm oil)

Salt (to taste)

Method:

• Use a clean knife to carefully peel off the skin
• Cut the plantain into slices of medium thickness
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt and shake well to mix
• In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat up some oil (any cooking oil of choice can be used)
• When the oil is heated up but not fiercely hot, add the plantain slices
• Allow to cook on medium heat for a few minutes on each side till golden brown, then turn and allow the same on the reverse side
• When brownish on both sides, remove from oil and place in a strainer to remove any excess oil
• Serve