Monday 12 August 2013

PLANTAIN MOSA

Every once in a while, I let that one plantain get away. A week or two passes by and the skin turns from a healthy yellow to a worrying dark brown with white fluff starting to form at the tips. Eugh!

Before you chuck that over-ripe plantain in the bin, here's a neat and simple recipe that restores the last bit of the plantain's dignity. Mosa is a yummy Nigerian snack that reminds me of a doughnut. Eggs are used in some recipes, but I've skipped out on that and find that the soft plantain acts as a good enough binder anyway.

Ingredients

- 1 ripe plantain
- 4 tbsp wholegrain flour
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- Sunflower oil

Place the ripe plantain in a large mixing bowl and mash to form a smooth purée. Add the rest of the dry ingredients.

Heat some sunflower oil in a frying pan and add the mixture one tablespoon at a time. You can fry in batches, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry on medium heat, turning over once or twice to brown both sides.

Drain on some kitchen paper and serve hot or warm.

10 comments:

  1. This one is definitely for me Vegan...I love plantains and I always feel so bad throwing the over-ripe ones away!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I always feel so bad. This recipe simply saves the day :)

      Delete
  2. I speaking to a Nigerian vegetarian today, the first ever vegetarian i know and i had to ask if anyone knew others in Naija, so someone sent me your link.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have tried this so many times in the past but it always came out quite oily. Any tips, please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Natural Nigerian. I have a few useful tips for reducing the oiliness of mosa:

      1. Make sure the oil is very hot before frying. This reduces the amount of oil the mosa soaks up. You can then turn it down to medium heat after the first batch to stop the rest from burning on the outside, but it needs to reach a high temperature initially.

      2. Always drain the mosa on some kitchen paper after frying to soak up any excess oil.

      3. You might need to add an extra spoon or two of flour to your mosa mixture to create a firmer texture. If the batter is too runny, you could end up with mosa that seems wetter/oilier than it should be.

      I hope it works out for you next time! :)

      Delete
    2. I actually have a weird reaction to oily foods - It gives me a headache so I have do 1 & 2 regularly. I will definitely implement number 3. Thank you!!!!

      Delete
  4. Dearest Vegan Nigerian, is it possible to use Chick Pea flower instead of wheat flower for this recipe?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh yes, you definitely can! :) It'll make a nice gluten-free alternative.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Have you tried it in an air fryer? I roast plantain in it and it comes out really nice.

    ReplyDelete