Togolese Tippaleipä: A Twist on a Finnish Classic

Ingredients

In the Togolese version of Tippaleipä, we substitute the traditional wheat flour with cornmeal to give the fritters a slightly different texture. Additionally, we incorporate Togolese spices and herbs to infuse the fritters with a distinct flavor that reflects the culinary traditions of Togo. We alse have the original recipe for Tippaleipä, so you can check it out.

• 2 ripe plantains, mashed 2 ripe plantains, mashed
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed plantains, cornmeal, ginger, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Using a spoon or your hands, shape the plantain mixture into small fritters or patties.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the fritters into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Crunchy Plantain Fritters warm as a snack or appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure the plantains are ripe but not overly soft. They should be yellow with some black spots, indicating their sweetness and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, serve the Crunchy Plantain Fritters with a spicy Togolese dipping sauce.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the fritters to your liking.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to enjoy their crispy texture to the fullest.
• Leftover fritters can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crunchiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crunchy Plantain Fritters as a snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with a main meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crunchy Plantain Fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside the Togolese dipping sauce for an attractive and flavorful presentation.