How to Prepare Tatale (Ghanaian Spicy Ripe Plantain Pancakes)
Tatale is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from overripe plantains mixed with spices and flour, then fried into delicious, golden-brown pancakes. Often referred to as Ghanaian plantain fritters, tatale is commonly served with beans stew (red-red), making it a beloved and nutritious meal in many Ghanaian homes. It is particularly popular among the Akan people and is a creative way to use overripe plantains instead of throwing them away.
Ingredients:
3 overripe plantains
1 small onion (finely chopped or blended)
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
1 teaspoon of ground pepper (cayenne or scotch bonnet)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of corn flour (or regular flour)
1 teaspoon of ground cloves (pepre) – optional
Palm oil or vegetable oil for frying
Preparation Steps:
1. Peel and Mash the Plantains
Start by peeling the overripe plantains. Place them in a mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Overripe plantains are naturally sweet and soft, which makes them perfect for tatale.
2. Add the Spices
To the mashed plantains, add the chopped or blended onions, grated ginger, pepper, and salt. You can also add ground cloves for a warm, spicy aroma. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Mix in the Flour
Gradually add the corn flour or regular flour to the plantain mixture. The flour helps bind the mixture and gives the tatale a firm texture. Stir until the batter is well mixed. The consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter — not too runny and not too stiff.
4. Fry the Tatale
Heat palm oil or vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop small portions of the batter into the pan, shaping them into flat pancakes. Fry each side for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Drain and Serve
Remove the tatale from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with beans stew, avocado, or eat them on their own as a snack.
Tatale is not only tasty but also a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins from the plantains and spices.
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