Dodo
Fried Plantain
Dodo is a popular Nigerian side dish made from ripe plantains that are fried until sweet, tender, and beautifully caramelized. It's a delightful accompaniment to savory dishes like rice and beans.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 Ripe plantains(Choose plantains that are mostly yellow with significant black spots. This indicates they are sweet and will caramelize well when fried. Avoid green or mostly yellow plantains as they will be starchy.)
- approximately 2-3 cups Vegetable oil(Enough to generously coat the bottom of your frying pan, about 1-2 inches deep, to ensure even frying. Neutral oils like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil are recommended.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste. Enhances the sweetness of the plantain.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the plantains: Carefully peel the ripe plantains. Slice them diagonally into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. You can also cut them into cubes or rounds if preferred.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 175°C (350°F). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of plantain into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Fry the plantains: Gently add the sliced plantains to the hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown and caramelized. Flip them occasionally for even cooking.
⏱️ 8-12 minutes - 4
Drain and season: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully remove the fried plantains from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt while still hot. Serve warm.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ripeness is key: The blacker the spots on the plantain skin, the sweeter and more caramelized the dodo will be.
- ✓Watch closely: Plantains can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly due to their high sugar content. Keep an eye on them during frying.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan: Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature remains consistent and the plantains fry evenly, rather than steaming.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Spicy Dodo: Add finely chopped scotch bonnet or habanero peppers to the plantain slices before frying, or serve with a spicy pepper sauce.
- Baked Dodo: For a healthier alternative, toss plantain slices with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until tender and slightly caramelized.