Banana Foutou

Ingredients8

• green plantains4 large (≈800 g)
• water500 ml
• salt1 tsp
• palm oil2 tbsp
• onion, finely chopped1 medium
• garlic cloves, minced2
• tomato paste2 tbsp
• smoked fish (optional)100 g

Method

1. Peel the plantains, cut them into chunks and rinse under cold water.
2. Place the plantain pieces in a pot, add the water and bring to a boil; cook until very soft, about 15‑20 minutes.
3. Drain the plantains, return them to the pot and mash vigorously with a wooden pestle or mixer until smooth and stretchy; stir in the salt.
4. Heat the palm oil in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the smoked fish (if using) and 250 ml of water, simmer for 10 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt.
6. Serve the hot banana foutou in a mound and spoon the sauce over or on the side.