National Dish Ivory Coast: Bananes Plantains Frites (Recipe)
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Meet Bananes Plantains Frites, the golden fried plantain slices that turn up on tables and street corners right across the Ivory Coast. Ripe plantains are sliced thick, dropped into hot oil and fried until the edges caramelise into a crisp, sweet crust while the middle stays soft and creamy. Salty, sugary and impossible to stop eating, they work equally well as a side dish beside grilled fish or as a snack in their own right. Best of all, they take barely fifteen minutes from start to finish.
About Bananes Plantains Frites
Bananes Plantains Frites are a much-loved snack in West Africa, the Caribbean and across Latin America, and in the Ivory Coast they are close to a national habit. This fried version of the plantain wins people over with its natural sweetness and its crisp texture, a contrast that comes entirely from the fruit itself rather than any batter or coating. They are most often served as a side dish or snack, and they are genuinely easy to prepare. If you are after something that feels relaxed and festive at the same time, Bananes Plantains Frites are exactly the right choice.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 ripe plantains
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil works well)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: spices such as paprika or garlic powder
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Bananes Plantains Frites are easy to find in most supermarkets, African grocers or market stalls. The one thing worth being fussy about is choosing ripe plantains with a yellow skin marked by black patches — that mottling is the sign the fruit has developed its sugars and will taste sweet and fragrant. Your oil should have a high smoke point so it can hold a steady frying temperature without burning.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, take a moment to prepare the plantains properly. Peel the plantains first, then cut them into thick slices or on the diagonal into longer ovals. That thickness is what allows them to crisp on the outside while staying soft inside; slices cut too thin will simply dry out. Lay the pieces on a clean tea towel to draw off any surface moisture, which keeps the oil from spitting.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the plantain slices in small batches so they do not stick together.
- Cook each piece for roughly 3–5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown.
- Lift the fried plantains out with a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper or any other spices you fancy, and serve straight away.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Bananes Plantains Frites are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. The recipe uses nothing but plantains and oil, which makes it an easy option for anyone with a coeliac diagnosis or a dairy intolerance. Just check that your frying oil has not been used for breaded foods, so there is no risk of cross-contamination. These crisp golden slices are therefore a safe and delicious choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Bananes Plantains Frites are a fine vegan and vegetarian option, rich in fibre and slow-release carbohydrates. Because they consist entirely of plant ingredients, they slot straight into a vegan diet without any adjustment at all. Adding spices is the easiest way to ring the changes and make them more interesting still. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal or simply as an afternoon snack, much as you would a plate of Klaclo.
More tips and tricks
The single most important factor in a perfect result is the choice of plantain. Use ripe fruit, since it fries up sweeter and more aromatic than green plantains, which stay starchy. It also pays to bring the oil to the right temperature before the first slice goes in — around 170 °C is ideal. Get that right and the plantains fry evenly and crisply instead of soaking up oil.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Bananes Plantains Frites adapts easily to personal preference. Add different spices to create new flavour directions: chilli for a fiery edge, or cinnamon for something closer to a dessert. You can also change the cooking method altogether and bake the slices in the oven for a lighter version, or brush them with oil and use an air fryer. Experiment with different approaches and enjoy the variety.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no vegetable oil to hand, other oils such as coconut oil or olive oil will do the job perfectly well. Both lend the plantains an extra layer of flavour, and coconut oil in particular suits the tropical character of the dish. For a lower-calorie version you can grill the slices rather than frying them — the flavour survives the change nicely while the preparation takes a healthier turn.
Drink pairing ideas
Bananes Plantains Frites go beautifully with a wide range of drinks. Try fruity cocktails such as a piña colada or a mojito to play up the tropical side of the dish. For something without alcohol, fresh fruit juices or sparkling water with lemon make a refreshing partner, and a chilled glass of Bissap is the classic Ivorian answer. Any of these turns a simple plate of plantains into a complete little feast.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation makes more difference here than you might expect. Serve the fried plantains on a brightly coloured plate, scattered with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. A well-chosen dipping sauce — a garlicky one, or a sharp tomato salsa — adds contrast on the plate as well as on the palate. Piled alongside a whole Poisson Braise, they make a spread that will impress guests and family alike.
A bit of history
Plantains have been central to West African cooking for centuries, and the fried version has spread from there deep into the food cultures of the Caribbean and Latin America along the old Atlantic trade routes. In the Ivory Coast the dish sits at the heart of everyday eating, sold from roadside braziers by the bagful and known in its most famous local form as Aloko. Its enduring popularity comes down to the sheer versatility of the fruit, which turns up boiled, pounded, grilled and fried throughout Ivorian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bananes Plantains Frites
All in all, Bananes Plantains Frites are a simple dish that delivers far more flavour than the short ingredient list suggests. Whether you serve them as a snack, a side or a party plate, their sweetness and crisp texture leave a lasting impression. With the right plantains and a little care over the oil temperature, the recipe rewards beginners and experienced cooks in equal measure. Give this West African favourite a try and enjoy working your way through the variations.
