Banana Madura Frita com Queijo

About This Recipe

This beloved São Toméan snack takes very ripe plantains, fries them until caramelised and golden, and serves them immediately with slices of fresh white cheese. The contrast of sweet, yielding plantain against cool, milky cheese is simple, brilliant, and deeply satisfying. It is eaten at any time of day — as a snack, a side dish, or a quick dessert.

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 2 largevery ripe plantains (skins mostly black), peeled and cut into diagonal slices
• 2 tbspvegetable oil or butter
• 100 gfresh white cheese (queijo fresco, ricotta, or halloumi), sliced
• 1 pinchsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the pan

   Heat oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.

2. 2

   Fry the plantain

   Add plantain slices in a single layer. Fry 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and caramelised. Do not rush — the sweetness develops with time.

3. 3

   Drain and season

   Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

4. 4

   Serve with cheese

   Arrange fried plantain alongside fresh cheese slices. Eat immediately while plantain is hot.

Variations

• •

  Drizzle with honey for a dessert version.

• •

  Sprinkle with cinnamon for a warming spice note.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

• •

  Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Fried plantain loses crispness quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions