Aloko with Sauce Arachide
A delightful combination of crispy fried plantains (Aloko) served with a rich and savory peanut sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
- 200 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth or crunchy)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 200 g Tomatoes(pureed or finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 ml Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 - 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat, or to taste)
- for frying Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 pinch Optional: a pinch of sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the peanut sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the pureed tomatoes and the finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 3
Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Season with salt and black pepper. If using, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and creamy. Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
- 4
While the sauce simmers, prepare the Aloko: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350°F/175°C).
- 5
Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Lightly salt the Aloko immediately after frying.
- 6
Serve the hot, crispy Aloko immediately with the warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzled over the top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe plantains that are mostly yellow with some black spots for the best sweetness and texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference. For a milder sauce, use only a small piece or omit it entirely.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying; too cool will result in greasy plantains, too hot will burn them quickly.
🔄 Variations
- Add a piece of smoked fish or chicken to the peanut sauce while it simmers for added flavor.
- Serve with a side of grilled fish or chicken.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure you use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.