Banane Malaxé
Banane Malaxé, also known as 'mashed banana', is a comforting and economical dish from Cameroon, particularly popular in the Central and South regions. It's made from unripe plantains that are cooked and mashed, often with palm oil and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that is both nourishing and culturally significant.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Unripe plantains
- 0.25 cup Palm oil
- 0.5 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 cup Water
- 50 g Smoked fish or dried shrimp(optional, for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the unripe plantains and cut them into large chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- 2
Drain the cooked plantains and mash them thoroughly in the pot or in a separate bowl until a smooth paste forms. You can use a potato masher or a sturdy fork.
💡 Tip: Ensure no large lumps remain for a smoother texture. - 3
In a separate pan, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and the optional smoked fish or dried shrimp to the pan. Cook for another minute.
💡 Tip: Be cautious when handling scotch bonnet peppers; wear gloves if necessary. - 5
Pour the palm oil mixture into the mashed plantains. Add the remaining salt and stir well to combine everything. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 15-20 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
💡 Tip: Stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. - 6
Serve Banane Malaxé hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of stew or soup.
💡 Tip: This dish is often served communally from a large bowl.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The ripeness of the plantains is crucial; they must be very green for the right texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of palm oil to your preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a bit of ground crayfish or a bouillon cube.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped leafy greens like spinach or bitterleaf towards the end of cooking.
- Incorporate small pieces of cooked meat or chicken.
- Use a different type of chili pepper if scotch bonnet is unavailable.