Fried Ripe Plantain (Dodo)
Fried ripe plantains are a delicious treat that’s both comforting and sweet. This easy recipe turns overripe plantains into golden, crispy slices with a soft and tender inside. They’re perfectly sweet and savory, making them a great addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a tasty side dish, a satisfying snack, or even a dessert, this simple dish brings a touch of tropical flavor to your table.
“Dodo” is a term commonly used in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, to refer to fried ripe plantains. It is a popular and beloved dish enjoyed for its sweet, caramelized flavor and crispy texture. Fried ripe plantain(dodo) is a simple and delicious dish!
To add more flavor to your fried plantains, try sprinkling a little cinnamon or brown sugar on them right after frying. If you want a healthier, less greasy alternative, you can bake the plantains instead. Just set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the plantains for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
As a plantain ripens, its starches turn into natural sugars, making it sweeter. When you fry a ripe plantain, the sugar comes out and caramelizes, giving it a tasty flavor that’s both crispy and sweet. We use fried ripe plantain to make a wonderful complementary dish that can enhance many meals like rice, beans, spaghetti and potatoes. Its sweet and savory flavor profile pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients for Dodo
- 3 newly-ripe plantains
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 pinch of salt
Recipe Time: 10 minutes
Serving: 3 Persons
Fried Ripe Plantain Recipe (Classy 2 steps)
Step 1
peel off the back of the ripe plantain, and slice to any size you like. Any size and shape.
Add salt and mix properly.
Step 2
Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Deep fry your plantain. Fry and turn the other side.
It should take between 3-4 minutes before turning golden-yellow.
If it burns fast, your oil is too hot. If the oil is not heated enough, the plantain would soak up the oil before it
Plantain is a staple food in West/Central Africa, a plethora of plantain recipes exist in this region. Fry in batches and serve hot.
Is Dodo Highly Nutritional?
Absolutely! Fried ripe plantains also known as “dodo” are a delicious treat that also offer several nutritional benefits. They are a rich source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. Additionally, they provide a significant amount of vitamin C, which aids in immune defense, enhances iron absorption, and contributes to overall skin health.
Plantains also contain dietary fiber, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. The fiber content can also help in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting cardiovascular health.
In terms of minerals, fried ripe plantains are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle functioning, and maintains fluid balance within the body. They also contain magnesium, which is essential for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.
Moreover, fried ripe plantains contain antioxidants, which aid to protect the body from oxidative stress and may decrease the risk of chronic diseases. While frying does increase the calorie and fat content, plantains still offer these valuable nutrients when enjoyed in moderation.
Is it Okay to fry Green Plantains?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to fry green or unripe plantains though the result will be quite different from frying ripe plantains. Green plantains are starchy and crunchy rather than sweet and soft, so they have a more neutral flavor and a firmer texture when cooked. You can fry them as “tostones” Tostones are twice-fried, crispy, salty green plantains that are sweet and tasty on the outside and tender on the inside. Sweet plantains are made from ripe green plantains as they turn yellow when ripe. Both fried green and yellow plantains are delicious and nutritious!
Fried Ripe Plantain ( Sweet Dodo)
Chef ChidiIngredients
- 3 newly-ripe plantains
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Peel off the back of the ripe plantain, and slice to any size you like. Any size and shape.
- Add salt and mix properly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Deep fry your plantain. Fry and turn the other side.
- It should take between 3-4 minutes before turning golden-yellow.
- If it burns fast, your oil is too hot. If the oil is not heated enough, the plantain would soak up the oil before it
- Plantain is a staple food in West/Central Africa, a plethora of plantain recipes exist in this region. Fry in batches and serve hot.
7 Responses
Good morning chef, I love the Fried Plantain. I am from the western part of Nigeria and I really appreciated and enjoyed the way you offer vivid explanation to most of the recipes I have seen.
I used to sprinkle salt while my Plantain was frying. I needed to do it the very right way but now I know better. I’m glad I read your blogpost. I would like to make an order for your book sir. May God continue to strengthen and bless the works of your hand.
Frying ripe plantain is now very expensive and I needed to know how to fry plantain without getting it burnt. I’m clearly an amateur in kitchen affairs and was inspired to read your blog. I love your cooking blog.
Just watch it closely, use less heat.
Your recipe on Fried ripe plantain is short and precise… I am certain I will not mess this up. It is not as complex as soups and stews
I jejely go dey follow your recipes in all your cookbooks,blogs and amazing sites. Teach me and teach the world at large. A lot of men are falling down for their wives because of matters that concern the belly. You’re really a chef.
I would need to get your Nigerian Cookbook. From the variety of recipes on your blog it’s very obvious that I have been missing out on some cooking secrets.