Boli
Roasted Plantain
Boli is a popular Nigerian street food made from roasted plantains, often served with groundnuts, grilled fish, or a spicy sauce. The roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the plantain, creating a delicious smoky and sweet flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 Ripe plantains(Choose plantains that are mostly yellow with some black spots. They should be firm but yield slightly to pressure. Overripe plantains will be too mushy.)
- 100g Roasted groundnuts (peanuts)(These are typically unsalted and roasted. You can find them in African or international food stores, or roast your own.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Palm oil(For brushing. If unavailable, a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil can be substituted, though palm oil provides a traditional flavor and color.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the plantains: Do not peel the plantains. Make a shallow slit lengthwise along the skin of each plantain. This helps them cook more evenly and makes peeling easier later.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Roast the plantains directly over heat (preferred method): Place the unpeeled plantains directly over the hot coals of a charcoal grill or directly over a gas flame on a stovetop. Turn them frequently using tongs, allowing the skin to char and blacken evenly on all sides. Continue roasting for about 10-15 minutes, or until the plantains feel very soft when squeezed gently through the peel.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Roast the plantains in an oven (alternative method): Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the unpeeled plantains directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is blackened in spots and the plantains are tender. The flesh should yield easily when pierced with a fork.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Cool and peel: Once roasted, carefully remove the plantains from the heat source. Let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes until they are comfortable to handle but still warm. Peel away the charred skin. The skin should come off easily.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Finish and serve: Slice the roasted plantains into thick pieces. Lightly brush the warm plantain slices with palm oil. Serve immediately with the roasted groundnuts. Traditionally, Boli is also served with grilled fish or a spicy pepper sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most authentic and smoky flavor, using a charcoal grill is highly recommended.
- ✓The plantain skin should be significantly charred, almost black in places, to ensure the flesh inside is perfectly tender and sweet.
- ✓Boli is a quintessential Nigerian street food, enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with grilled fish (mackerel, tilapia, or croaker are common).
- Serve with a spicy pepper sauce (like Ata Din Din).
- Add a side of boiled or fried yams.