Guinean-Style Plantain Fritters

Ingredients

In this Guinean adaptation of Mofongo, we replace the traditional pork cracklings with locally available ingredients such as onions, garlic, and a medley of spices. The fritters are shaped differently and fried until golden and crispy, giving them a unique texture. The flavors are also adjusted to incorporate Guinean culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of Guinea. We alse have the original recipe for Mofongo, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the plantain chunks. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   Drain the plantains and transfer them to a large bowl.
4. 4.
   Mash the plantains using a fork or a potato masher until smooth.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, ground paprika, ground cayenne pepper, and salt to the mashed plantains. Mix well to combine.
6. 6.
   Shape the mixture into small fritters, about the size of a golf ball.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
8. 8.
   Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
9. 9.
   Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Guinean-Style Plantain Fritters hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure to use ripe plantains for this recipe, as they will provide the desired sweetness and texture. Look for plantains with yellow or black skin, as they will be the most ripe and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or ground cinnamon to the plantain mixture.
• Serve the Guinean-Style Plantain Fritters with a side of spicy tomato sauce or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can boil the plantains for a few more minutes until they are very tender before mashing them.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavors of the fritters to your liking.
• Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Guinean-Style Plantain Fritters as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be served as an appetizer or snack with a side of spicy tomato sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Guinean-Style Plantain Fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Serve them alongside a bowl of spicy tomato sauce for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.