Nnam Owondo with a Costa Rican Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we replace the traditional yams with ripe plantains, which are a staple ingredient in Costa Rican cuisine. The spices and seasonings used in the original recipe are also adjusted to reflect the flavors commonly found in Costa Rican dishes. Additionally, the cooking technique is modified to fry the fritters instead of boiling them, resulting in a crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Nnam owondo, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains 2 ripe plantains
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into chunks. Place them in a large bowl.
2. 2.
   Mash the plantains using a fork or a potato masher until smooth.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the mashed plantains, stirring until well combined.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Drop spoonfuls of the plantain batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters.
7. 7.
   Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Costa Rican Plantain Fritters warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Use ripe plantains with yellow or black skin for a sweeter flavor and softer texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the fritters with a side of tangy salsa or a creamy avocado dip.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, sprinkle the fritters with powdered sugar before serving.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the fritters.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Serving advice

Serve the Costa Rican Plantain Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with a main course.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.