7 Delicious Nigerian Foods You Can Make with Ripe Plantains

7 Delicious Nigerian Foods You Can Make with Ripe Plantains

Ripe plantain is one of the most popular foods in Nigerian kitchens. Whether boiled, fried, roasted or cooked into a delicious meal, plantains are versatile, affordable and easy to prepare.

However, many people have a habit of frying ripe plantains every time they buy them. While fried plantain is delicious, there are several other exciting ways to enjoy this everyday ingredient.

If you have ripe plantains sitting in your kitchen and you’re wondering what else you can prepare, here are seven delicious Nigerian food ideas worth trying.

1. Nigerian Dodo (Fried Ripe Plantains)

Fried plantain, popularly called dodo, is one of the easiest ways to enjoy ripe plantains.

Ingredients:

• Ripe plantains
• Vegetable oil
• A little salt (optional)

Preparation:

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into slices.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan.
3. Carefully add the plantain slices.
4. Fry until both sides turn golden brown.
5. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Serve with beans, rice, yam or stew.

2. Ripe Plantains Porridge

Plantain porridge is a delicious one-pot meal that combines ripe plantains with vegetables and simple Nigerian seasonings.

Ingredients:

• Ripe plantains
• Palm oil
• Fresh pepper
• Onions
• Smoked fish (optional)
• Ugu or spinach
• Salt and seasoning

Preparation:

1. Peel and cut the plantains into chunks.
2. Place them in a cooking pot with water.
3. Add chopped onions, pepper and seasoning.
4. Add palm oil and allow the plantains to cook until tender.
5. Add fish if desired.
6. Mash a few plantain pieces to thicken the sauce.
7. Add vegetables and cook briefly.

Your delicious plantain porridge is ready to serve.

3. Plantain Pancakes

If you’re looking for something different for breakfast, ripe plantain pancakes are a wonderful option.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 egg
• ½ cup flour
• A little milk or water
• A pinch of salt
• A little vegetable oil

Preparation:

1. Peel and mash the ripe plantains.
2. Add the egg and mix.
3. Add flour, milk or water and salt.
4. Mix until you have a smooth batter.
5. Heat a lightly oiled frying pan.
6. Pour in small portions of the batter.
7. Cook both sides until golden and properly set.

Serve warm with tea or your favourite breakfast drink.

4. Roasted Plantain (Boli)

Boli is a popular Nigerian street food, especially in southwestern Nigeria. It is traditionally roasted over an open heat source and commonly enjoyed with groundnuts or pepper sauce.

Ingredients:

• Ripe or slightly ripe plantains
• Groundnuts (for serving)
• Pepper sauce (optional)

Preparation:

1. Peel the plantains if desired, or roast them with the skin on.
2. Place them on a suitable roasting surface.
3. Turn regularly until the plantains are tender and lightly charred.
4. Remove and serve warm.

Enjoy with groundnuts or a simple pepper sauce.

5. Plantain Moi Moi

Plantain moi moi is an interesting alternative to traditional bean-based moi moi. It uses ripe plantains to create a soft, savoury dish.

Ingredients:

• Ripe plantains
• Fresh pepper
• Onions
• A little vegetable oil
• Salt
• Seasoning
• Ground crayfish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Peel and cut the ripe plantains.
2. Blend with pepper, onions and a little water.
3. Add oil, salt, seasoning and crayfish if desired.
4. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour into suitable heatproof moulds.
6. Steam until firm and fully cooked.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

6. Plantain and Egg Breakfast

Plantain and egg is a simple breakfast combination that is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Ripe plantains
• Eggs
• Tomatoes
• Pepper
• Onions
• Vegetable oil
• Salt

Preparation:

1. Peel and slice the plantains.
2. Fry until golden brown.
3. Chop tomatoes, pepper and onions.
4. Beat the eggs with a little salt.
5. Heat a small amount of oil and sauté the vegetables.
6. Add the eggs and cook until fully set.
7. Serve with the fried plantains.

7. Plantain Chips

Plantain chips are a popular crunchy snack that can be prepared at home.

Ingredients:

• Firm ripe or slightly ripe plantains
• Vegetable oil
• Salt (optional)

Preparation:

1. Peel the plantains.
2. Slice them thinly and evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a suitable frying pan.
4. Fry the slices in small batches.
5. Turn occasionally until crisp and golden.
6. Remove and allow excess oil to drain.
7. Add a little salt if desired.

Allow the chips to cool before storing in an airtight container.

Tips for Choosing and Storing Plantains

Choosing the right plantain makes a difference to your cooking.

• Green plantains are firmer and less sweet, making them suitable for savoury dishes.
• Yellow plantains are softer and sweeter.
• Very ripe plantains are excellent for pancakes, porridge and other soft-textured recipes.
• Store unripe plantains at room temperature until they ripen.
• Keep peeled or cut plantains refrigerated in an airtight container and use promptly.

Delicious Nigerian Foods Conclusion

Plantains are more versatile than many people realise. Beyond ordinary fried plantains, you can prepare porridge, pancakes, roasted plantains, plantain moi moi, breakfast dishes and homemade chips.

The next time you have ripe plantains in your kitchen, try something different instead of preparing the same meal.

Cooking at home becomes more exciting when you experiment with familiar ingredients and discover new ways to enjoy them.

Which of these seven plantain recipes would you like to try first? Share your favourite in the comments!

For more Nigerian recipes, kitchen tips, gardening ideas and affordable food inspiration, keep visiting 9jafoods.