I have an aunt who grows plantain and I was very excited when she came to visit me or rather to see the baby. I figured it would be the perfect time to tell her about my blog and how I wanted to share plantain recipes.
Turns out very few places stock plantains in Nairobi and they are always on high demand. I gathered from my fellow foodies that one can get some from City Park Market. Lucky for me, my aunt brought over the plantain.
As you can see plantains are large and angular shaped. Unlike the bananas that ripen and can be eaten raw, plantain needs to be cooked. They have a high starch content.
The plantain when cooked has a sweet taste that reminded me of some bananas that my grandmother used to prepare for us. In Meru they are called ‘gikono’. I learnt that they are also in the plantain family.
The plantain has a thick skin and when peeled they are firm.
I chose to deep fry the plantain. I sliced it up diagonally.
In hot oil, deep fry the plantain slices.
Fry until lightly browned on both sides. Drain over a bowl lined with paper towels or grease proof paper. Toss the plantain in salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Once all the plantain slices are fried, serve as a side dish.
I served with chicken in groundnut sauce and some stir fried carrots.
This was one delicious meal, my help even said that she felt like she was back in Uganda.
Very satisfying.
Looking to wow a dinner guest or your family? Take some time and prepare this meal. Guaranteed to blow you away.
Fried Plantain
- Plantain, peeled and sliced diagonally
- Oil for frying
- Salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat oil in a pan.
Deep fry the plantain slices until lightly browned on both sides.
Drain onto a bowl lined with paper towels.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss.
Enjoy with some groundnut sauce or with your curry of choice.
I’ve always wondered the banana type that makes what you’ve made above. Thanks for demistifying!!What are they called sokoni?
Welcome. Just ask for plantain.
This looks great! I love plantains when it fried or steamed. That plate is very healthy!
Thanks. Very healthy and filling.
Enjoyed these in Dar…. Definitely must try at home. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Karibu. They are delicious.
Hi,
Every time I try to deep fry plantains they turn out mashed or burnt…what am I doing wrong?
Hi Lena,
For starters, are you using plantains or cooking bananas (matoke)?
As for the burning your oil might be too hot to begin with.
Hi, Gatuiri!
I am searching information about plantain and then i came across you.
Does your aunt still grow plantain? I would want to buy suckers.
I really desire a plantation of plantain.
Hi
I don’t have any info. My aunt passed on.
I deliver plantain at an affordable price here in nairobi maybe nexttime you may order from me 0716 778790
Hi Valentine,
I definitely will order.