Authentic Ivorian Aloko Recipe: Make the Perfect Fried Plantains at Home

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe plantains
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
  • 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 habanero pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the plantain slices, sprinkle with half of the salt and cayenne pepper, and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, habanero pepper, and the remaining salt and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Uncover the skillet and let the sauce reduce for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Place the fried plantains on a serving dish and pour the chicken and sauce over the top.
  9. Serve the Aloko warm.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet will be needed to fry the plantains and cook the chicken and sauce.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to peel and slice the plantains, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken thighs.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board will be needed for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels will be needed to drain the fried plantains.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for flipping the plantains while frying and stirring the sauce.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the salt, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste.
  • Can opener - A can opener will be needed to open the canned diced tomatoes.

Recipe variations

  • Use ripe bananas instead of plantains for a sweeter version of Aloko.
  • Replace the chicken with shrimp or fish for a seafood variation.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
  • Try different spices such as paprika, curry powder, or thyme to add unique flavors.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Top the Aloko with grated cheese or sprinkle it with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the dish before serving for a tangy twist.
  • Experiment with different types of hot peppers like jalapeños or Scotch bonnets for varying levels of spiciness.

Recipe overview

Get ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Ivory Coast with this delicious Aloko recipe! This dish pairs the sweet, fried goodness of ripe plantains with a spicy, savory chicken sauce for a truly unforgettable meal. It's a popular street food in West Africa, but it's also simple enough to make at home. By following these instructions, you'll be able to create this authentic, satisfying dish in your own kitchen. Expect a burst of flavors - sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all rolled into one exceptional dish. Enjoy Aloko as a main course or a hearty snack. Either way, it's sure to delight your taste buds!

Common questions

  1. Can I use ripe or unripe plantains? You should use ripe plantains for this recipe. They should be yellow with some black spots on the skin, indicating that they are sweet and soft.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as canola or peanut oil if you prefer.
  3. Is the habanero pepper necessary? The habanero pepper adds a spicy kick to the dish, but if you prefer a milder version, you can omit it or reduce the amount according to your taste.
  4. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable oil and omit any animal-derived ingredients.
  6. Can I serve Aloko with anything else? Aloko can be served as a standalone dish, or you can pair it with grilled meat, fish, or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - A large skillet is needed for frying the plantains and cooking the chicken.
  • Knife - A knife is required for peeling the plantains and chopping the onion.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is essential for safely chopping the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping the plantain slices while frying.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are necessary for draining the fried plantains and removing excess oil.
  • Skimmer - A skimmer or slotted spoon can be used to remove the fried plantains from the oil.
  • Plate - A plate lined with paper towels is needed for holding the fried plantains.
  • Large serving dish - A large serving dish is ideal for presenting the final dish.

Origin stories

Aloko is a delicate dish that hails from the Ivory Coast, a jewel in West Africa. It is a beloved street food, adored for its simplicity and the explosion of flavors it brings. The heart of the dish is ripe plantains, which are fried to golden perfection. The sizzle of plantains in hot oil is a familiar sound in the bustling markets of Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. An interesting fact about this dish is that it is often served with grilled fish or chicken in a tomato and onion sauce, making for a well-rounded meal. As you bite into a piece of Aloko, you can almost hear the lively Ivorian music playing in the background and feel the warm African sun on your skin. This dish truly captures the vibrant spirit and rich culture of the Ivory Coast.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.