Starter · Malawian cuisine

Mbatata a Matenda (Malawian Cassava Fritters)

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7 ingredients Cuisine: Malawian Page updated October 2026

Mbatata a matenda is a Malawian cassava fritter with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, tender middle. Grated cassava does the work of a batter, while a spoonful of cornmeal helps the mixture hold together in the pan. Chopped onion and fresh green chile give each bite some bite of its own. Serve them warm with hot tea, or set out a plate for guests at a gathering.

Instructions

Put the grated cassava, beaten egg, chopped onion and chopped green chiles in a mixing bowl. Leave out the chiles if you prefer a milder fritter.

Stir in the cornmeal and mix until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt, tasting and adjusting to your liking.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the cassava mixture into the hot oil and press each one slightly flat with the back of the spoon.

Fry until the fritters are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain.

Fry the rest of the mixture in the same way. Let the fritters cool a little before serving.

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