You'll love these banana recipes!
What's the story
Bananas are an integral part of African cuisines, adding versatility and taste to several dishes. Be it savory or sweet, bananas are used innovatively throughout the continent. Here are five unique African banana dishes that highlight the fruit's adaptability and importance in the culture. Each dish highlights different cooking styles and regional flavors, giving us a peek into Africa's diverse culinary landscape.
Ugandan dish
Matoke: A Ugandan delight
Matoke is a traditional Ugandan dish made from steamed green bananas. The bananas are peeled, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked until soft. Served with groundnut sauce, matoke is a staple food in Uganda. Known for its smooth texture and mild flavor, matoke makes an excellent accompaniment to various side dishes.
Ivorian snack
Alloco: Ivorian street food
Alloco is a popular street food from Cote d'Ivoire, which is made of fried ripe plantains. The plantains are sliced into rounds or strips before being deep-fried till golden brown. Alloco is usually served with spicy sauces but you can also eat it on its own as a snack. Its crispy outer and sweet inner make it an irresistible treat.
Ghanaian treat
Kelewele: Ghanaian spiced plantains
One of the most popular Ghanaian dishes has to be kelewele, which are spiced fried plantains. The plantains are cubed or sliced and marinated with spices like ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt before being fried. This delicious snack can be spotted at street vendors around Ghana and is commonly relished as an appetizer or side dish.
Tanzanian stew
Ndizi na Nyama: Tanzanian banana stew
Ndizi na Nyama is a hearty Tanzanian stew combining bananas with vegetables like tomatoes and onions, along with spices such as curry powder for added depth of flavor. This comforting meal showcases how well bananas pair with savory ingredients while providing sustenance through their natural starchiness.
Sweet fritters
Banana fritters: Sweet treat across Africa
Banana fritters are savored across many African countries as both dessert options after meals, and snacks during tea time. Ripe mashed bananas mixed together with flour, sugar, and baking powder form a batter, which is then deep-fried until golden brown, creating a deliciously crispy exterior and soft interior. This perfect balance of sweetness and richness.