Dodo Ikire (Fried Leftover Plantain)
Photo: My active kitchen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dodo ikire turns plantains that have gone too soft and spotty into a savory, peppery snack. It comes from the town of Ikire in Nigeria, where, as the story goes, a woman fried her overripe plantains instead of throwing them away. The fruit is mashed rather than sliced, seasoned with salt and crushed pepper, then fried until dark and shaped into balls. Sugar-heavy fruit browns fast, so watch the pan closely.
Instructions
Peel and slice the overripe plantain, then mash it in a bowl until it forms a soft, uniform mixture.
Stir in salt and crushed pepper until they are evenly mixed through the mash.
Heat the oil in a frying pan for 3 to 4 minutes. It should be hot but must not smoke.
Scoop the plantain mixture into the hot oil. Cook until it has darkened but is not burnt.
Lift the dodo ikire out of the oil and let any excess oil drain off.
Shape the fried plantain back into balls while it is still workable, then sprinkle with a little more pepper. Do not overcook it, because burnt plantain tastes bitter.
Make it personal.
Custom engraved cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen accessories. Great gifts for anyone who cooks.
Shop Custom Chef →Affiliate link · PicksByRecipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
