Fried Plantain: Ghana-style

When my friend mentioned fried plantains last weekend, I couldn't help but ask Afi about going shopping for the necessary ingredients and learning how she makes them. I've had plantain in Haiti before and loved it but I've never had fried plantain here. Thankfully, Afi loves to cook and she not only showed my how to make fried plantain but three more of her favorite Ghanaian meals too!

First, Afi showed me how to pick out a ripe plantain. It has to be yellow and brown (but not too brown) and soft (but not too soft).

Next, I learned what ginger looks like before it is ground and placed in a spice bottle! You must first "skin" the ginger with a knife before grating it.

Then, Afi showed me how to skin the plantain. She sliced open the peel from top to bottom then unwrapped the plantain. Okay, I may be getting ahead of myself here.

Ingredients:
4-5 plantains
grated ginger (1 tsp if using powdered ginger)
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. cayenne pepper, powdered
1/2 tsp. cloves

Directions:
1. Slice the plantains. You can cut it in half then slice the plantain into little half moons, slice it into little circles, or slice it into longer, steak fry-like shapes.
2. Put the plantains into a large bowl then add grated ginger, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, and cloves. If you use powdered ginger, you may add just a bit of water to help it coat. Try a teaspoon at a time.
3. Fry the coated plantain in a large skillet with enough oil to cover them or nearly cover them. Afi told me that a deep fryer is best because they all cook at the same time; when using a frying pan, you have to watch over them and turn them until they are golden brown.
4. When they are sufficiently brown, plate them with a paper towel to remove the excess oil. Then watch them disappear!

The finished product is a tasty combination of sweet and subtle spiciness.

Afi and I made these twice this weekend. I'll be making some on my own in a couple of days so perhaps I'll adjust the spice measurements. Afi measures according to taste and feel so the teaspoon measurements are an estimate. Of course, you can adjust the amount to please your own taste buds!

Sincerely, Sarah