Akotonshi Island Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Ghanaian Akotonshi is transformed into a festive Christmas Island delight by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original dish typically consists of plantains stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices. However, in this version, we replace the beef with fresh seafood, such as prawns or crab, to capture the essence of Christmas Island's coastal cuisine. Additionally, we infuse the stuffing with Christmas Island's signature spices and herbs, adding a unique island twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Akotonshi, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 250g (8.8 oz) fresh prawns or crab meat 250g (8.8 oz) fresh prawns or crab meat
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying Cooking oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 25g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the ends of the plantains and make a lengthwise slit along the skin.
3. 3.
   Gently peel the plantains, keeping them intact.
4. 4.
   In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the prawns or crab meat to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Stir in the curry powder, paprika, dried thyme, cilantro, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
7. 7.
   Stuff the plantains with the seafood mixture, pressing gently to fill them evenly.
8. 8.
   Heat some oil in a frying pan and fry the stuffed plantains until golden brown on all sides.
9. 9.
   Transfer the plantains to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the plantains are tender and the filling is heated through.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Akotonshi Island Delight!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly ripe to hold their shape during cooking.
• Prawns or crab meat — Ensure the seafood is fresh and cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety concerns.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seafood mixture.
• Serve Akotonshi Island Delight with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.
• For a festive touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated coconut or chopped spring onions.

Serving advice

Serve Akotonshi Island Delight as a main course, accompanied by a side of rice or quinoa. The stuffed plantains can also be enjoyed on their own as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed plantains on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. The golden-brown color of the plantains and the colorful seafood filling will make for an eye-catching dish.