Ghanaian Tatale
Spiced Plantain Pancakes
Tatale, also known as spiced plantain pancakes, is a delightful Ghanaian delicacy originating from the Asante tribe. Made from overripe plantains, cassava flour, and a blend of spices, these pancakes are pan-fried to a golden crisp and offer a unique sweet and savory flavor profile. They are often served as a side dish with bean stews or enjoyed on their own.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Overripe plantains(the riper, the sweeter)
- 3 tbsp Cassava flour(or all-purpose flour, corn flour, or maize flour)
- 0.5 medium Onion(finely chopped or blended)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(grated or blended)
- 0.5 or to taste Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped or blended)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Palm oil(for frying)
- Optional spices(e.g., cloves, grains of selim (hwentia), calabash nutmeg (awerewa), anise seed, black peppercorns, crayfish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the overripe plantains and mash them thoroughly in a bowl until smooth. You can use a fork, potato masher, or a blender.
- 2
Add the finely chopped or blended onion, grated ginger, scotch bonnet pepper, and salt to the mashed plantains. Mix well.
- 3
Stir in the cassava flour (or your chosen substitute) until well combined. If using optional spices, add them now and mix thoroughly. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
- 4
Heat the palm oil in a non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
- 5
Scoop spoonfuls of the plantain mixture into the hot oil. Flatten each pancake gently with the back of your spoon or spatula to ensure even cooking. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 6
Remove the tatale from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more palm oil to the pan as needed.
- 7
Serve warm as a side dish or snack.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using very ripe plantains is key for sweetness and ease of mashing.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and easy flipping.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your desired level of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with Aboboi (Ghanaian bean stew) or other bean-based dishes.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor dimension.