Fried Mashed Plantains with Stewed Beans

Introduction

History

This recipe has its roots in West African cuisine, where plantains are a staple ingredient in many dishes. Plantains are a versatile fruit that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, boiling, and mashing. Stewed beans are also a common dish in West African cuisine, often flavored with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe plantains for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and easier to mash.

- Soaking the ground rice in water helps to thicken the mixture and bind the ingredients together.

- Be sure to fry the plantain mixture in hot oil to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Serve the fried mashed plantains with hot stewed beans for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fried Mashed Plantains with Stewed Beans with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying, mashing, and stewing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute vegetable oil for palm oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the plantain mixture ahead of time and fry it just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fried Mashed Plantains with Stewed Beans on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sliced avocado for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a cold glass of hibiscus tea or a refreshing ginger beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for a meal.

Summary

Fried Mashed Plantains with Stewed Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of ripe plantains with the savory flavors of stewed beans. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Nigeria. My grandmother, who was a talented cook with a passion for experimenting with new flavors, had invited a group of friends over for a dinner party.

As the guests arrived, my grandmother greeted them warmly and ushered them into the kitchen, where she was busy preparing a feast. I watched in awe as she chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and sampled spices with a discerning palate that seemed to know just the right balance of flavors.

One of her friends, a woman named Amina, brought a dish that caught my eye immediately - fried mashed plantains with stewed beans. The combination of sweet plantains and savory beans seemed like an unusual pairing, but as I watched Amina prepare the dish, I could tell that it was going to be something special.

Amina explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She showed me how to peel and mash the ripe plantains, then fry them in hot oil until they were golden brown and crispy. She also demonstrated how to prepare the stewed beans, simmering them in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and spices until they were tender and flavorful.

I was fascinated by the process and couldn't wait to try the finished dish. When it was finally served, I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The creamy sweetness of the plantains paired perfectly with the hearty, savory beans, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make fried mashed plantains with stewed beans. I asked Amina for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with some tips and tricks that she had picked up over the years.

I practiced making the dish over and over again, tweaking the recipe to suit my own taste and experimenting with different variations. Sometimes I added extra spices to the beans, or topped the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Other times, I served it with a side of rice or a salad to round out the meal.

As I perfected the recipe, I started to share it with my own friends and family, who were equally impressed by the unique combination of flavors. They would often request the dish for special occasions or gatherings, and I was always happy to oblige.

Over the years, fried mashed plantains with stewed beans became one of my signature dishes, a recipe that I was known for and proud to pass on to future generations. I taught my own children how to make it, and they in turn shared it with their friends and loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen surrounded by the aromas of frying plantains and simmering beans, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It may have started with a chance encounter at a dinner party, but it has since become a cherished tradition that has brought joy and connection to all who have tasted it.

And as I take a bite of the finished dish, savoring the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, I know that fried mashed plantains with stewed beans will always hold a special place in my heart - a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Categories

| Ghanaian Recipes | Ghanaian Vegetarian | Plantain Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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