By Neo Nontso (@dinewithneo)
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ripe plantains
- salt (optional)
- 1 litre sunflower or canola oil
METHOD
1. Peel the plantains and use a sharp knife to carefully slice them. Cut them into any shape you like – be creative!
2. Discard the tips.
3. Season very lightly with salt, if desired*.
4. Fill a large pan or pot halfway with oil and heat on medium-high.
5. Add the plantains and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Remove from the pan and place in a colander to drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot as a side to any savoury dish.
* Some people prefer their plantain plain and sweet.
TIP!
The softer (riper) a plantain is, the sweeter it’ll be.
“A West African favourite! Plantains look like large bananas but they’re starchier, firmer and need to be cooked. They taste like waffles or sweet bananas, without the banana flavour. I love fried plantains served with jollof rice, oxtail or with my breakfast,” says Neo.
