Spicy Ghanaian Plantain Fritters
These Spicy Ghanaian Plantain Fritters, known as Titale, are a deliciously flavorful treat inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of Ghana. Made from overripe plantains, these fritters are elevated with fresh ginger, red onion, and the fiery heat of Scotch Bonnet chili, creating a tantalizing snack or side dish. Perfect for enjoying alone or served with a savory African stew, these fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a beloved choice for gatherings or a delightful everyday snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plantains
3-4 (over-ripe, peeled)
Red Onion
1 small (chopped)
Fresh Ginger
1 inch (peeled and finely minced)
Scotch Bonnet Pepper
1/2 (minced)
Flour
1/2 cup
Salt
to taste
Oil
1/2 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the chopped red onion, finely minced ginger, and minced Scotch Bonnet pepper. Blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
2
Peel the overripe plantains and add them to the blender with the spicy paste. Blend until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
3
Transfer the blended mixture to a mixing bowl. Add salt and flour, mixing until fully combined. If the mixture is too soft, gradually add an additional tablespoon of flour until it reaches a consistency that allows it to slowly fall off a wooden spoon.
4
In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a shimmering temperature.
5
Using a large wooden spoon, drop spoonfuls of the fritter mixture into the hot oil, ensuring to leave space between each one to allow for spreading as they fry. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
6
Fry the fritters for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
Once cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.
8
Serve the fritters warm with roasted peanuts for a delightful snack, or as a perfect accompaniment to any African stew.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Ghanaian Plantain Fritters?
Known locally as Tatale, these are flavorful fritters made from overripe plantains mixed with ginger, onion, and chili, common in Ghanaian cuisine.
What is the traditional name for these fritters?
In Ghana, these spicy plantain fritters are traditionally known as Titale or Tatale.
What type of plantains should I use for this recipe?
You should use overripe plantains, which are soft and have black skins, as they provide the best sweetness and texture.
What are the primary aromatics used in Spicy Ghanaian Plantain Fritters?
The primary aromatics used are fresh ginger and red onion, which provide a savory depth to the sweet plantains.
How is the spice level achieved in this recipe?
The heat comes from adding minced Scotch Bonnet pepper to the batter mixture.
Can I adjust the amount of Scotch Bonnet pepper used?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 of a pepper, but you can increase or decrease this based on your personal heat tolerance.
Why is flour added to the plantain batter?
Flour is added to bind the ingredients together and provide enough structure so the fritters don't fall apart during frying.
What should the consistency of the batter look like?
The batter should be thick enough that it falls slowly off a wooden spoon when dropped.
What should I do if my plantain mixture is too soft?
If the mixture is too soft, gradually add an additional tablespoon of flour until the desired consistency is reached.
How do I prepare the aromatics before blending?
You should chop the red onion, peel and finely mince the fresh ginger, and mince the Scotch Bonnet pepper.
Is it necessary to use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to create a smooth paste of the aromatics and then to incorporate the plantains into a uniform batter.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, typically a neutral vegetable or frying oil that can withstand medium heat.
How long should I fry each fritter?
Fritters should be fried for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
How do I know the oil is ready for frying?
The oil should reach a shimmering temperature over medium heat before you begin dropping the batter.
How should I place the batter into the frying pan?
Use a large wooden spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, ensuring there is enough space between them.
Why is it important to leave space between fritters in the pan?
Leaving space allows for spreading as they fry and prevents overcrowding, which helps them stay crispy.
What is the desired texture of Spicy Ghanaian Plantain Fritters?
A perfect Tatale is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
How can I remove excess oil after frying?
Once cooked, place the fritters on a kitchen towel to drain the excess oil before serving.
What are the best side dishes for these fritters?
They are traditionally served with roasted peanuts or as a side dish for savory African stews.
Are these fritters suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Is this recipe vegan?
Based on the ingredients list (plantains, onion, ginger, pepper, flour, salt, oil), this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Can I serve these fritters cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best enjoyed warm to maintain their crispy exterior.
How many plantains does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 over-ripe plantains.
What kind of ginger is best for this recipe?
Fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor and aromatic qualities.
What type of onion should I use?
A small red onion is specified for this recipe to provide a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor.
Can I use green plantains for this recipe?
No, green plantains are too starchy and firm; you need the sweetness and soft texture of overripe plantains for Tatale.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests adding salt to taste to balance the sweetness of the plantains.
Is this recipe a snack or a main dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a delightful snack or as a side dish accompanying a larger meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: plantains, red onion, ginger, Scotch Bonnet pepper, flour, salt, and oil.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is a staple of Ghanaian cuisine and represents broader West African culinary traditions.