Sese Plantains

Sese Plantains Recipe from Cameroon - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Cameroon | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sese Plantains is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from West Africa. This dish features ripe plantains cooked in a savory tomato and onion sauce, with a hint of spice from hot pepper. Sese Plantains are a popular dish in many West African countries and are often enjoyed as a side dish or main course.

History

Sese Plantains has been a staple in West African cuisine for generations. Plantains are a common ingredient in many West African dishes, and Sese Plantains is a popular way to prepare them. The combination of ripe plantains with a savory tomato and onion sauce creates a dish that is both sweet and savory, with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

2 large green plantains
10.5 cups water
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
hot pepper, to taste
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
0.5 cube vegetable stock (optional)
1 tbsp palm oil
salt, to taste
roasted cashew nuts, to garnish

How to prepare

Peel and cut each plantain into 6 rounds.
Place the plantain rounds into a saucepan with water and boil for 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, pepper, and onion to the saucepan and cook for another 10 minutes.
Stir in the cube of vegetable stock and palm oil.
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for at least 5 minutes. Stir the oil into the food and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Season to taste.
Sprinkle with roasted cashew nuts before serving.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamier sauce.
Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe plantains for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and more flavorful.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable stock instead of a cube.

- Garnish with roasted nuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sese Plantains can be served as a side dish with grilled meat or fish, or as a main course with rice or couscous.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the plantains before adding them to the sauce to ensure they are cooked through.

- Simmer the sauce with the lid on to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of palm oil.

- Use green plantains for a less sweet version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Sese Plantains can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sese Plantains in a colorful bowl and garnish with fresh herbs or additional roasted nuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sese Plantains pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or beef. They also go well with rice, couscous, or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sese Plantains contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sese Plantains contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sese Plantains contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sese Plantains contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sese Plantains are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and palm oil.

Summary

Sese Plantains are a delicious and nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. They make a great side dish or main course option.

Summary

Sese Plantains are a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a rich tomato and onion sauce and a hint of spice, these plantains are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Sese Plantains. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Nigeria. Maria's mother was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I was lucky enough to be invited to watch her prepare a traditional meal.

As I watched Maria's mother work her magic in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly chopped, stirred, and seasoned each dish. There was one particular dish that caught my eye - the Sese Plantains. The plantains were sliced and fried to perfection, then coated in a rich and savory sauce that left my mouth watering.

I asked Maria's mother if she could teach me how to make the Sese Plantains, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a knife and a cutting board, and together we sliced the plantains into thin rounds. As the plantains sizzled in the hot oil, Maria's mother told me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that Sese Plantains were a dish passed down through generations in their family. The recipe originated from their ancestors in West Africa, who used plantains as a staple ingredient in many of their meals. The dish was traditionally served during special occasions and celebrations, as it was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who ate it.

As we continued to cook, Maria's mother shared her tips and tricks for making the perfect Sese Plantains. She emphasized the importance of using ripe plantains, as they would caramelize beautifully when fried. She also stressed the need for patience, as the plantains needed to be cooked slowly to ensure they were cooked through and tender.

After we finished cooking, we sat down to enjoy the meal together. The Sese Plantains were even more delicious than I had imagined - the sweetness of the plantains paired perfectly with the savory sauce, creating a dish that was truly unforgettable.

As I left Maria's village that day, I carried with me not only the recipe for Sese Plantains but also a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking. I realized that cooking was more than just following a set of instructions - it was a way to connect with others, to learn about different cultures, and to create lasting memories.

Over the years, I have made Sese Plantains countless times for my family and friends. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of that special day in Maria's village and the generosity of her mother in sharing her recipe with me. And as I watch my loved ones enjoy the meal, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary knowledge that has been passed down to me through the generations.

In the end, the recipe for Sese Plantains is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create joy and connection, and to keep alive the traditions of the past. And for that, I am eternally grateful.