Golden-crispy fried plantains with a spicy onion and chili topping — irresistible Ivorian street food.
Aloco is the beloved Ivorian version of fried plantains, where slices of ripe plantain are fried until golden and crispy outside, creamy inside, and then topped with a vibrant, spicy mélange of fried onions and hot chili peppers. It's sold on street corners across Abidjan and is eaten as a snack or side dish. The contrast between the soft sweet plantain and the hot, savory topping is addictive.
Serves 2
Peel plantains by slicing off the skin lengthwise and removing. Slice diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces.
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry plantain slices in batches until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Keep warm.
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add chopped onions and fry until golden and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced chili peppers and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and remove from heat.
Arrange fried plantains on a plate and top generously with the spicy onion mixture. Serve hot.
Choose ripe plantains that are golden-yellow; green ones are starchy and won't be as sweet.
Don't let them sit or they'll get soggy; serve immediately.
Make the onion topping while plantains are frying.
Serve with a squeeze of lime juice
Add crispy fried fish on top
Serve with avocado slices
Serve immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated but are best fresh.
Aloco is street food at its most iconic in Côte d'Ivoire, sold by vendors at busy intersections and markets. The combination of sweet ripe plantain with spicy onions is quintessentially West African.
When they're golden-yellow with some black spots. Green plantains are used for different dishes (like fufu).
As spicy as you like! Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your heat tolerance.
Per serving · 2 servings total
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