African cooking 101 -sweet plantains. Simple, quick and get it done perfectly every time following a few simple steps. Combine these sides with your favorite protein and you have got yourself a win!

You can eat this meal with braised chicken and an onion gingery red sauce or braised fish.

Are fried sweet plantains healthy?

Fried plantains? Nop! Unless baked. Consuming this from time to time, if your health allows, is ok and is a norm back home.

Rice: We do not use much oil, therefore it is relatively not unhealthy. You can omit the meat as well.

How to cook sweet plantains perfectly (alloco)?

1. Buy them ripe, with some dark coloring ( about 60% black, 40% yellow), and soft (not too soft to the point where it’s like purée). Do not cook them if the plantain is still hard to the touch. Otherwise, they won’t be sweet and crispy upon frying.

2. When cooking the plantain, prior to frying the oil has to be hot. One easy way to check is to add a small piece of onion. If it sizzles, it is ready! When adding the plantains, take care not to burn yourself by using a metal or wooden spoon for example.