National Dish Ghana: Tatale (Recipe)
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Say hello to Tatale, the golden plantain pancakes that turn very ripe plantains into a moreish Ghanaian treat. Spiced with onion and a whisper of chilli, they strike a lovely balance between sweet and savoury and slip effortlessly from breakfast plate to teatime snack. Their juicy texture and simple, one-bowl method make them an easy win for cooks of every level — a small taste of West Africa you can whip up in your own kitchen.
About Tatale
Tatale are traditional Ghanaian plantain pancakes, gently seasoned and enjoyed both at breakfast and as a snack. The star ingredient — the ripe plantain — gives them a wonderfully juicy texture that brings sweet and savoury flavours together in perfect harmony. More than just a quick bite, the dish reflects the culinary variety of Ghana and stands as an expression of the country’s culture and tradition. Best of all, their straightforward preparation makes them a dish to suit every taste.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 chillies, to taste (optional)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
Before you start on your tatale, gather all the ingredients you need. Ripe plantains can be found in well-stocked supermarkets or at markets, and are especially easy to source in African and Asian grocers. Look for plantains that give slightly when pressed, as these guarantee the best flavour and the ideal consistency. Choose your chillies according to how much heat you like, so you can tailor the dish to your personal taste.
Preparing the dish
To prepare the tatale, first peel the ripe plantains and cut them into small pieces, which helps them break down evenly later on. The onion can be prepped at the same time by finely chopping it. If you have opted for the chilli version, remove the seeds and chop the chillies small as well. A little groundwork here keeps the rest of the cooking quick and smooth.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the chopped plantains into a bowl and mash them to a purée with a fork.
- Add the chopped onion and the chillies (if using) to the plantain purée and mix well.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper, and work everything into a smooth batter.
- Heat a pan with oil and drop in small portions of the batter to shape the pancakes.
- Fry the pancakes for about 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Drain the finished tatale on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Tatale are easily adapted to gluten-free and lactose-free diets. To go gluten-free, swap the regular flour for an alternative such as rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to use gluten-free baking powder too. Happily, all the remaining ingredients are naturally lactose-free, which makes this dish an excellent choice for anyone with a lactose intolerance.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Tatale are naturally vegan, as they are built mainly from plant-based ingredients. To boost their nutritional value, you can fold extra vegetables such as spinach or carrots into the batter. These not only add nutrients but also a lovely splash of colour. Spices like turmeric or cumin are another easy way to lend the dish an interesting depth of flavour.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your tatale, store the plantains at room temperature so they ripen evenly. Experiment with different spices to discover new flavour directions — a pinch of nutmeg, for instance, can underline the natural sweetness of the plantains. And remember the golden rule: the riper the plantains, the more intense the flavour, so reach for the very ripest fruit you can find. The same ripe fruit works beautifully in Banana Fritters.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The tatale recipe is easy to shape around your own preferences. Vary the number of chillies for more or less heat, or add other spices that take your fancy. You could also try different fillings, tucking cheese or vegetables into the middle of the pancakes. Let your creativity run free and find your own favourite version — much as cooks do with the spiced Kelewele.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have plantains to hand, you can try the recipe with other starchy staples such as sweet potatoes, which offer an equally delicious flavour and a different texture that still delivers wonderful results. The flour, too, can be swapped for cornmeal if you prefer, giving an interesting twist in both texture and taste. Experiment with the ingredients to unlock brand-new moments of enjoyment.
Drink pairing ideas
When serving tatale, a whole range of drinks make ideal companions. A fresh ginger tea or an African hibiscus tea pairs beautifully with the flavours. If you fancy something cooler, try a fruity sorrel drink, which offers a delicious counterpoint to the savoury pancakes — the same hibiscus refreshment you will find in Sobolo. Even a simple glass of sparkling water with lemon can be pleasantly refreshing.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can lift the whole tatale experience. Serve the pancakes on a handsome platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. Add a bright salsa or a selection of dips alongside so your guests have plenty of choice. Offering the pancakes in small portions lets everyone help themselves and sample different variations.
A bit of history
Tatale has its roots in Ghanaian cooking, which is celebrated for its use of fresh, local ingredients. The tradition of conjuring dishes from plantains stretches back a long way and is a firm fixture of many West African kitchens. Through the influence of different cultures and regions, a variety of preparations and recipe variations have developed. Tatale are not only a much-loved dish in Ghana but have also made a name for themselves elsewhere in Africa and across the wider world of Ghanaian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tatale
In short, tatale are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that embodies the traditions of Ghanaian cooking. With their versatility — whether for breakfast or as a snack — they offer a truly distinctive taste experience. Thanks to their adaptability to personal preferences and the option of a gluten-free and lactose-free preparation, they suit a great many diets. Let yourself be inspired and enjoy this wonderful dish.
