Ugandan Gonja Fritters
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these sweet and savory fritters are made from ripe plantains, coated in a spiced batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. They are a popular street food and snack in Uganda.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Ripe plantains (gonja)(very ripe, but not mushy)
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 0.25 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder(optional, for a sweet and spicy kick)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 large Egg
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and chili powder (if using).
💡 Tip: Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined to distribute the spices evenly. - 2
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients: Pour in the lemon juice, vanilla essence, milk, and egg. Whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
💡 Tip: The batter should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. - 3
Prepare the plantains: Peel the very ripe plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick rounds.
- 4
Coat the plantains: Add the plantain slices to the batter and gently fold them in, ensuring each slice is well coated.
💡 Tip: Be gentle to avoid breaking the plantain slices. - 5
Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 2-3 inches and heat over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
💡 Tip: Do not overheat the oil, as the fritters will burn on the outside before cooking through. - 6
Fry the fritters: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated plantains into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 6-8 minutes💡 Tip: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. - 7
Drain excess oil: Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
💡 Tip: Allowing them to drain properly will result in a crispier texture. - 8
Serve: Serve the gonja fritters hot as a delightful snack or side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use plantains that are very ripe (with black spots) for maximum sweetness.
- ✓Adjust the chili powder to your preference for heat.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to avoid soggy or burnt fritters.
🔄 Variations
- For a simpler version, you can skip the batter and simply fry sliced ripe plantains until golden brown and crispy.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.