Plantain Cake

Plantain Cake Recipe from Uganda - Delicious and Easy-to-Follow

Region / culture: Uganda | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Plantain cake is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe plantains with the creaminess of cottage cheese. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

Plantain cake has its origins in Latin American cuisine, where plantains are a staple ingredient in many dishes. This dessert is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations, as it is both flavorful and visually appealing.

Ingredients

2 ripe plantains, sliced in half, then cut into strips
225 g cottage cheese
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
20 ml dry breadcrumbs
1 tsp sugar
80 ml olive oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Fry the plantain strips in the oil until they are brown on both sides.
In a bowl, mix together the cheese, cinnamon, and sugar.
In one bowl, beat the egg yolks, and in another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.
Grease a baking dish and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs.
Fold the stiff egg whites into the yolks, then pour a quarter of the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Add a layer of fried plantain on top of the egg mixture.
Cover with a quarter of the cheese and drizzle some olive oil over it.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
Save a little bit of the egg mixture and oil to pour over the final layer.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40 minutes.
Serve with meat.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Top the cake with caramelized bananas or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the plantain strips until they are brown on both sides to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the cake.

- Greasing the baking dish and sprinkling it with breadcrumbs will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Plantain cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture in the cake.

- Layer the ingredients evenly to create a balanced and flavorful dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or cream cheese as a substitute.

- Instead of olive oil, you can use melted butter or coconut oil for frying the plantains.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the plantain cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the plantain cake on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Plantain cake pairs well with a glass of dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover plantain cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of plantain cake contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively light dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Plantain cake is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, with the main source of carbs coming from the plantains and breadcrumbs used in the recipe.

Fats

The fats in this recipe primarily come from the olive oil used for frying the plantains and drizzling over the layers of the cake.

Proteins

Cottage cheese is the main source of protein in this plantain cake recipe, providing a creamy and rich texture to the dessert.

Vitamins and minerals

Plantains are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Cottage cheese also provides calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Plantain cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded treat.

Summary

Plantain cake is a unique and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its combination of sweet plantains, creamy cottage cheese, and warm spices, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was tucked away in an old, worn cookbook that I had inherited from my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a faded handwritten note that read, "Plantain Cake - a family favorite." Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of a cake made with ripe and sweet plantains.

I had never made a plantain cake before, but I was determined to give it a try. I had always been passionate about cooking and baking, and experimenting with new recipes was a joy for me. I remembered my great-grandmother telling me stories about how she learned to cook from her own mother, and how recipes were passed down through the generations in our family. I felt a connection to her as I read through the recipe, imagining her in her own kitchen, making this plantain cake for her loved ones.

I set out to gather the ingredients I would need for the cake. Ripe plantains, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter were all on the list. I made a trip to the market, carefully selecting the best plantains I could find. As I peeled and mashed the fruit, I could feel the memories of my ancestors surrounding me, guiding my hands as I worked.

The smell of the baking cake filled my kitchen, a sweet and comforting aroma that reminded me of home. As I waited for the cake to cool, I thought about the journey this recipe had taken to reach me. From my great-grandmother's kitchen to mine, each generation adding their own touch and love to the dish.

Finally, the cake was ready to be tasted. I cut myself a slice and took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The sweetness of the plantains combined with the richness of the butter created a perfect harmony of taste. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh of contentment, feeling a sense of connection to my family and my roots through this simple yet delicious cake.

I shared the plantain cake with my own loved ones, telling them the story of how I had discovered the recipe and the journey it had taken to reach our table. They marveled at the history behind the dish and how it had been passed down through the generations. As we enjoyed the cake together, I felt a sense of pride in preserving a piece of my family's culinary heritage.

Since that day, plantain cake has become a staple in my kitchen. I make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always thinking of my great-grandmother and the legacy she left behind. Each time I bake the cake, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring joy to the present.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for plantain cake, I am grateful for the traditions and stories that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to honor my ancestors and keep their memories alive. And as long as I continue to bake this delicious cake, I know that a piece of my family's history will always be present in my home.